Policy concerns：練習問題

When governments implement policies aimed at significantly reducing income inequality, which of the following is a common concern regarding economic efficiency?

A government introduces a new policy that provides housing subsidies to low-income families, funded by a general consumption tax. This policy primarily aims to enhance income equity. What is a likely economic consequence regarding efficiency?

A government decides to fundamentally restructure its social policy, shifting the primary focus from equalizing income to equalizing opportunities. The policy package includes two major components:

I. Replacing a highly progressive income tax system (with high top marginal rates) with a proportional tax system, resulting in a net decrease in the tax burden on high-income earners.

II. Substantially increasing government spending on vocational training and tertiary education subsidies, targeted specifically at students from lower-income backgrounds.

Which of the following statements correctly assesses the likely long-run trade-offs and outcomes of this policy package regarding equity and economic efficiency?

A government implements a means-tested welfare program that guarantees a minimum income level but sharply reduces the cash benefits as a recipient earns income from employment. The primary goal of this policy is to achieve a substantial equalization of income distribution.

Which of the following is the most likely trade-off this policy introduces, specifically concerning economic efficiency and the goal of equalizing opportunities?

A government funds a new, high-quality vocational training program exclusively for students from low-income families. The primary objective of this policy is to promote greater equality of opportunity in the long run.

Which of the following is the most likely trade-off this policy introduces in the short run regarding income equity?

A government introduces a new policy to subsidize vocational training for unemployed individuals. Which ethical principle of equity does this policy primarily aim to address?

Discuss how the pursuit of "equalizing income" through a highly progressive tax system might create a trade-off with economic efficiency.

A government provides a lump-sum subsidy to all citizens regardless of their income level. Compare the impact of this policy on income distribution (equity) versus a means-tested subsidy, and explain the difference in terms of the administrative economy principle of taxation.

In the context of government policies aimed at promoting fairness in a society, explain the fundamental difference between pursuing equalizing income and pursuing equalizing opportunities.

(a) Distinguish between the policy goals of "equalizing income" and "equalizing opportunities," providing an example for each type of policy goal.

(b) Discuss one potential reason why a government might choose to prioritize "equalizing opportunities" over "equalizing income" when designing its social policies.