Expansionary Fiscal Policy

Expansionary, or loose policy is a form of macroeconomic policy that seeks to encourage economic growth. Expansionary policy can consist of either monetary policy or fiscal policy (or a combination of the two). It is part of the general policy prescription of Keynesian economics, to be used during economic slowdowns and recessions in order to moderate the downside of economic cycles.

The basic objective of expansionary policy is to boost aggregate demand to make up for shortfalls in private demand. It is based on the ideas of Keynesian economics, particularly the idea that the main cause of recessions is a deficiency in aggregate demand. Expansionary policy is intended to boost business investment and consumer spending by injecting money into the economy either through direct government deficit spending or increased lending to businesses and consumers.

From a fiscal policy perspective, the government enacts expansionary policies through budgeting tools that provide people with more money. Increasing spending and cutting taxes to produce budget deficits means that the government is putting more money into the economy than it is taking out. Expansionary fiscal policy includes tax cuts, transfer payments, rebates and increased government spending on projects such as infrastructure improvements.

For example, it can increase discretionary government spending, infusing the economy with more money through government contracts. Additionally, it can cut taxes and leave a greater amount of money in the hands of the people who then go on to spend and invest. Expansionary fiscal policy are policies enacted by a government that often increases or decreases the money supply to make changes to the economy. In other words, governments can directly give money to individuals, businesses, or taxpayers. Alternatively, to slow the economy, it can take it away.

During expansionary periods, governments can increase spending on infrastructure projects, social programs, and other initiatives to boost demand and stimulate economic growth. They may also enact tax cuts to reduce taxes, which puts more money in consumers’ pockets and stimulates spending. Governments can also increase transfer payments such as welfare, unemployment, or other benefits to increase household income.

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