AP Macroeconomics : Short-run Phillips Curve Graphs

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Macroeconomics

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Graphs

The short-run Phillips curve depicts which of the following relationships?

Possible Answers:

A tradeoff between employment and inflation

A direct and positive relationship between employment and the real interest rate

A tradeoff between unemployment and inflation

A direct and positive relationship between unemployment and inflation

Correct answer:

A tradeoff between unemployment and inflation

Explanation:

The short-run Phillips curve indicates an inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment. According to the short-run Phillips curve, as unemployment goes up, inflation goes down, and as inflation goes up, unemployment goes down.

The correct answer is therefore "A tradeoff between unemployment and inflation." Recall that a tradeoff refers to an inverse relationship.

The other answer choices are all distortions of the predictions of the short-run Phillips curve. 

 

 

Example Question #2 : Graphs

Which of the following is the best definition of the concept behind the Phillips Curve?

Possible Answers:

The relationship between government spending and the multiplier effect

The relationship between worker pay and productivity.

The relationship between unemployment and inflation

The relationship between net exports and GDP

Correct answer:

The relationship between unemployment and inflation

Explanation:

The Phillips Curve is meant to express the short-run tradeoff between inflation and unemployment.

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