1. Is a high national debt a problem for future economic growth? What is the ideal debt-to-GDP ratio?
2. Government spending increases national debt and can cause a crowding-out effect. Explain what the crowding-out effect is and why it's considered a negative effect of increased government spending.
3. How does an open economy versus a closed economy impact government policy decisions?
4. Why is the economic indicator "consumer sentiment" relevant for making successful policy decisions?