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Homework answers / question archive / Agreement and disagreement among economists Suppose that Tim, an economist from a university in Arizona, and Alyssa, an economist from a public television program, are arguing over government intervention
Agreement and disagreement among economists
Suppose that Tim, an economist from a university in Arizona, and Alyssa, an economist from a public television program, are arguing over government intervention. The following dialogue shows an excerpt from their debate:
Alyssa: The usefulness of government intervention in the economy is a long-standing issue that economists continue to debate.
Tim: I feel that government involvement in the economy should be reduced because government programs cause more harm than good
Alyssa: While I do agree that government programs can be inefficient, I really think they are necessary to help the less fortunate.
1. The disagreement between these economists is most likely due to _____.
2. Despite their differences, with which proposition are two economists chosen at random most likely to agree?
A. Minimum wage laws do more to harm low-skilled workers than help them.
B. Lawyers make up an excessive percentage of elected officials.
C. Tariffs and import quotas generally reduce economic welfare.
1. The disagreement between these economists is most likely due to ideological differences
When economist disagree about the role of the government in the economy, they usually have different ideas of the government as a stakeholder in the economy. Those that support intervention see the government as a welfare provider and equalizer. The other side sees it as an unnecessary and inefficient interference that distorts markets for the worse.
2. Despite their differences, with which proposition are two economists chosen at random most likely to agree?
B. Lawyers make up an excessive percentage of elected officials.
They are likely to agree on this topic since it does not pertain to the role of the government in the economy, but rather the composition of the political class. Hence no ideological conflict arises.
