What actions can a government take to increase long-run economic growth?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To address the question about what actions can foster long-run economic growth, we should evaluate each option in turn.
Option 1: 'Eliminate property rights.' Removing property rights undermines incentives for investment, savings, and productive risk-taking. If individuals and firms fear expropriation or arbitrary loss of ownership, they have little reason to spend resources on capital goods, research, or entrepreneurship, which are essential for sustained growth. Therefore this is a flawed approach.
Option 2: 'Encourage the formation of monopolies.' Monopolies reduce competition, typically leading to higher prices, lower output, and reduced innovation. While a monopoly might earn profits in the short run, the lack of competitive pressure dampens productivity improvements and technological progress, which are crucial for long-run growth. Hence this option is ineffective for growth objectives.
Option 3: 'Create a stable financial system.' A stable financial system facilitates efficient intermediation between savers and investors, lowers borrowing costs, and supports long-term funding for research, infrastructure, and human capital. It helps reduce macroeconomic volatility and fosters confidence, both of which are conducive to sustainable growth.
Option 4: 'Stop the enforcement of contracts.' If contracts are not enforceable, parties face greater risk and transaction costs, deterring investment and long-term planning. This fragility discourages capital formation and innovation, undermining growth prospects. Thus this option would be detrimental to growth.
In summary, the option that aligns with promoting long-run economic growth is the one advocating a stable financial system, while the other choices undermine the institutions and incentives that support sustained growth.

ECON 2002.01 AU2025 (21333) Final Exam- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

What actions can a government take to increase long-run economic growth?

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