Paragraph 1: The author introduces Keynesian economics by explaining who created it, when it was developed, and the historical context in which it emerged. The author also compares it with the earlier classical theory of economics.
Summary: Keynesian economics was developed by John Maynard Keynes in 1936 during the Great Depression as a new approach that challenged classical economics.
Paragraph 2: The author explains the main ideas and principles of Keynesian economics. The focus is on the belief that markets do not always function efficiently on their own and that government intervention is sometimes necessary.
Summary: Keynesian economists believe governments should use fiscal and monetary policies to stabilize the economy and reduce the effects of recessions.
Paragraph 3: The author describes the historical influence of Keynesian economics and explains how its popularity has changed over time.
Summary: Keynesian economics was widely accepted after the Great Depression and during the post-war period, declined in influence during the 1970s because of stagflation, and became influential again after the 2008 global financial crisis.
1. A Keynesian economist would most likely agree with which of the following statements?(A) Government intervention should be the primary means for fixing the economy in a recession.
Wrong: Keynesians support government intervention during recessions, but they do not believe the government should be the primary force in the economy. The passage says they support a mixed economy with a predominantly private sector.
(B) Private sector decisions lead to an efficient market.
Wrong: The passage states that Keynesian economists argue that private sector decisions can lead to inefficient macroeconomic outcomes.
(C) The private sector should play the primary role in the economy.
Correct: The passage says Keynesian economics advocates a mixed economy—predominantly private sector—with some government intervention during recessions.
(D) Stagflation resulted from private sector behavior.
Wrong: The passage mentions stagflation only as a reason why Keynesian economics lost influence. It does not explain what caused stagflation.
(E) The supply side of the economy is more important than the demand side.
Wrong: Keynesian economics contrasts with the supply-focused classical approach and instead emphasizes the importance of aggregate demand.
2. Which of the following can be properly inferred from the passage?(A) In the Keynesian view, the aggregate demand represents the productive capacity of the economy.
Wrong: The passage never says this. Productive capacity is related to aggregate supply, not aggregate demand.
(B) The Keynesian approach is best used during periods of recession.
Wrong: The passage says Keynesians recommend government intervention during recessions, but it does not claim the theory is
best used only in those periods.
(C) The Keynesian approach was developed as a way to end the Great Depression.
Wrong: The passage states that the theory was developed and published during the Great Depression, but it does not say it was created specifically to end it.
(D) Keynesian economists believe that the government should sometimes influence fiscal policy.
Correct: The passage explains that Keynesians support government fiscal policy actions to stabilize the economy over the business cycle.
(E) Keynesian economists believe in focusing on the supply side of the economy.
Wrong: The passage says Keynesian economics was developed in contrast to the supply-focused classical approach.
3. The primary purpose of the passage is to:(A) advocate John Maynard Keynes' economic theory.
Wrong: The passage explains Keynesian economics objectively. Advocate means promote or recommend but the passage does not try to persuade the reader to support the theory.
(B) challenge classical economic theory.
Wrong: Classical economics is mentioned only to provide historical context. The passage does not argue against it.
(C) discuss Keynes'
The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money.
Wrong: The book is introduced as the source of Keynes's ideas, but the passage focuses on Keynesian economics as a whole.
(D) present an important historical theory.
Correct: The passage introduces Keynesian economics, explains its main principles, and describes its historical development and influence.
(E) discuss the Keynesian view on monetary policy actions.
Wrong: Monetary policy is only one aspect of the passage. The main focus is Keynesian economics in general, including its history, principles, and influence.