Fiscal policy is the use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy. Governments use fiscal policy to achieve various economic goals such as stabilizing prices, boosting economic growth, and addressing unemployment.
When the government increases spending or lowers taxes, it injects more money into the economy, which can stimulate growth and create jobs. Conversely, when the government reduces spending or raises taxes, it takes money out of the economy, which can slow down growth and reduce inflation.
Fiscal policy can be expansionary or contractionary. Expansionary fiscal policy involves increasing government spending and reducing taxes to boost economic activity, while contractionary fiscal policy involves decreasing government spending and increasing taxes to reduce inflation.
Fiscal policy can be a powerful tool in the hands of government, but it is also subject to criticism and controversy. Some argue that government intervention in the economy can create inefficiencies and distortions, while others believe that fiscal policy is necessary to correct market failures and ensure long-term economic stability.