What does the government use fiscal policy for in relation to the economy?

The government utilizes fiscal policy primarily to influence the economy by adjusting tax rates and government spending. By modifying these two key components, lawmakers can stimulate economic growth or curb inflation. For instance, during a recession, increasing government spending or decreasing taxes can boost consumer demand, leading to higher economic activity. Conversely, in periods of economic expansion, reducing spending or increasing taxes can help cool down inflationary pressures by limiting the amount of money circulating in the economy.

This approach is distinct from other economic management tools such as regulating banks, managing inflation through interest rates, or controlling the money supply, which are typically associated with monetary policy. Fiscal policy focuses directly on the government’s budget decisions to create economic outcomes and therefore plays a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape.