The Nature Of The Basic Economic Problem
Overview
Every society, from the richest country to the poorest village, faces the same stubborn fact: people want more than there is to go round. Wants are unlimited, but the land, labour, capital and enterprise we use to satisfy them are limited. That mismatch is the basic economic problem, and the whole of economics grows out of it.
In this lesson you will see why scarcity forces every consumer, worker, firm and government to choose, and how those choices boil down to three questions every economy must answer: what to produce, how to produce it, and who gets it. You will also meet the production possibility curve, the diagram that turns the idea of choice into something you can see and measure.
Objectives
- definition of the basic economic problem
- the concept of scarcity
- examples of the basic economic problem in the context of: - consumers - workers - producers/firms - governments
- what to produce
- how to produce
- who to produce for
- the difference between economic goods and free goods
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on The Nature Of The Basic Economic Problem. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- The basic economic problem exists because: A. governments tax too much B. wants are unlimited but resources are scarce C. prices are always rising D. some countries are richer than others Answer: B
- The opportunity cost of building a new school is: A. the money spent on the school B. the wages of the builders C. the next best alternative use of those resources D. the number of pupils taught Answer: C
- A point inside a production possibility curve shows that: A. the economy is producing efficiently B. some resources are unused or wasted C. output is at its maximum D. the combination is unattainable Answer: B
- Which of the following is a free good? A. bottled water B. a litre of petrol C. sunlight D. a free school place Answer: C
- Which is NOT one of the three fundamental questions every economy must answer? A. what to produce B. how to produce C. who to produce for D. when to stop producing Answer: D
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
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