Introduction to Fiscal Policy

Fiscal policy refers to the use of government spending and tax policy to influence economic growth in order to smooth variations in the business cycle, achieve full employment and reduce poverty. Fiscal policy is often used by governments on a discretionary basis to influence business cycles. The basis for understanding fiscal policy is macroeconomic theory, meaning understanding the relationship between prices and economic output (i.e. GDP). Most economists trace the roots of active fiscal policy to well-known British economist John Maynard Keynes. Keynes was especially influential throughout the first half of the 20th century, including during the Great Depression of the 1930s in the United States. His research and findings remain highly relevant today, and his extensive work at the time is why proactive fiscal policy is still often referred to today as “Keynesian Economics”.