What is Fiscal Policy and its Objective ?

Definition - Government spending policies that influence macroeconomic conditions. These policies affect tax rates, interest rates and government spending, in an effort to control the economy.

What is Fiscal Policy? - Fiscal policy is the means by which a government adjusts its levels of spending in order to monitor and influence a nation's economy.

Fiscal policy and Monetary policy go hand in hand with each other. Both are interdependent on each other.

Before the Great Depression in the United States, the government's approach to the economy was laissez faire. But following the Second World War, it was determined that the government had to take a proactive role in the economy to regulate unemployment, business cycles, inflation and the cost of money. By using a mixture of both monetary and fiscal policies (depending on the political orientations and the philosophies of those in power at a particular time, one policy may dominate over another), governments are able to control economic phenomena.

Objectives of Fiscal Policy –

1. To achieve desirable price level:

The stability of general prices is necessary for economic stability. The maintenance of a desirable price level has good effects on production, employment and national income. Fiscal policy should be used to remove; fluctuations in price level so that ideal level is maintained.

2. To Achieve desirable consumption level:

A desirable consumption level is important for political, social and economic consideration. Consumption can be affected by expenditure and tax policies of the government. Fiscal policy should be used to increase welfare of the economy through consumption level.

3. To Achieve desirable employment level:

The efficient employment level is most important in determining the living standard of the people. It is necessary for political stability and for maximization of production. Fiscal policy should achieve this level.

4. To achieve desirable income distribution:

The distribution of income determines the type of economic activities the amount of savings. In this way, it is related to prices, consumption and employment. Income distribution should be equal to the most possible degree. Fiscal policy can achieve equality in distribution of income.

5. Increase in capital formation:

In under-developed countries deficiency of capital is the main reason for under-development. Large amounts are required for industry and economic development. Fiscal policy can divert resources and increase capital.

6. Degree of inflation:

In under-developed countries, a degree of inflation is required for economic development. After a limit, inflationary be used to get rid of this situation. ‎