Ssec: Fiscal Policy: Can Congress Diagnose and Treat an Ailing Economy? [Pdf]

This investigation examines the use of fiscal policy by the President and Congress in regulating the performance of the national economy. It begins with a brief reading that discusses the nature, objectives, and the tools of fiscal policy. The investigation provides a set of four visuals focusing on fiscal policy, which can be used to reinforce the reading. It also includes a set of exercises in applied fiscal policy analysis using actual economic performance data. This helps students understand that the full story of fiscal policy is far from simple. (Note: Data in the investigation may be somewhat out of date, and teachers may wish to update it using the data citation.)