GED Social Studies

Comprehensive study of GED social studies covering fundamental concepts and advanced applications.

Advanced Topics

Government Policy and the Economy

How Government Influences the Economy

Governments play a big role in shaping the economy through policies, taxes, and spending.

Fiscal Policy

Fiscal policy involves how the government collects money (taxes) and spends it (public services, infrastructure). When the government spends more, it can boost the economy—spending less can slow it down.

Monetary Policy

Managed by the Federal Reserve, monetary policy controls the supply of money and interest rates to keep the economy stable.

Real-World Impacts

These policies affect jobs, inflation, and the cost of living.

Why It Matters

Understanding government policy helps you see how decisions made in Washington impact your daily life.

Examples

  • Lowering interest rates makes it cheaper to borrow money, encouraging people and businesses to spend.

  • Stimulus checks are an example of fiscal policy to boost the economy.

In a Nutshell

Explains how government policies affect the economy and your life.

Key Terms

Fiscal Policy
Government decisions about spending and taxes.
Monetary Policy
How the government manages the money supply and interest rates.
Inflation
The general increase in prices over time.