Commerce Flashcards
Revision
What are the 6 ways of assessing the Australian Economy?
Economic Growth, unemployment, inflation, distribution of income, environmental sustainability and external stability.
What is economic growth also defined as?
Real growth.
Why does economic growth occur?
Population growth, continual efficiency, product development and replacing goods that have been used.
What does economic growth allow?
Economic development.
Is Economic development qualitative or quantitative?
Qualitative.
What is economic development?
Economic development is living standards, quality of life and wellbeing.
What is HDI?
Human development index.
What does HDI measure?
Wellbeing and overall development.
What are the specific features of HDI?
Health (Life expectancy), education and standards of living
What are the two types of unemployment?
Cyclical and structural.
What is cyclical unemployment?
Cyclical unemployment is when the economy isn’t operating at full capacity and does not need all labor inputs.
What is structural unemployment?
Structural unemployment is when skills and labor do not match the required demands.
What does employment provide?
The ability to produce goods and services and the ability for households with income to pay for goods and services.
What is inflation defined as?
Inflation is defined as the general increase in prices over a period of
time.
What are the impacts of high inflation?
Household purchasing power is reduced, erodes values and savings, creates uncertainty.
How is inflation measured?
Inflation is measured through CPI (Consumer price index).
Who calculates CPI?
The CPI is calculated and published each quarter by the ABS.
What is CPI?
The CPI is a “basket” of 87 everyday items across 11 categories.
What is the distribution of income?
The total amount of income in an economy amongst its citizens.
How does the government try to overcome inequality?
Through the ‘transfer payments system’.
What is the ‘transfer payments system’?
This is a system where the government provides welfare and other services to those less fortunate.
What are the largest welfare sectors?
Aged pension, disability payments, family payments and unemployment benefits.
What else besides those welfare services does the government provide?
Housing.
What does environmental sustainability refer to?
Environmental sustainability refers to ensuring that the environment
is preserved for future generations.
How much does the government spend on welfare payments.
More than one third of government expenditure is in the form of cash
payments or welfare.
Why is this an economic issue?
This is an economic issue because the pursuit of economic growth will
usually require the use non-renewable resources, result in
deforestation and cause increased pollution.
What is meant by a trade off?
It can be said there is a ‘trade off’ between economic growth and
damage to the environment.
How does the government encourage the use of renewable resources?
Providing subsidies or rebates, building an electricity distribution network that can connect solar farms and wind farms to where the electricity is used and providing rebates to the energy bills of low-income households.
This is because the transition to renewable energy is expensive and
has increased energy prices..
What does external stability refer to?
A measure of the economic relationship between Australia and the rest of the world.
What does it consider?
It considers factors such as our level of two-way trade and our level of
international debt.
What does the business cycle represent?
The fluctuations in the level of economic activity in an economy.
If there is an expansion in the business cycle, what happens?
Production increase, unemployment decrease, wage increase, consumer spending increase and prices increase.
If there is a contraction in the business cycle, what happens?
Production decreases, unemployment increases, wage decrease, consumer spending decrease and price decrease?
For individuals what happens during expansion?
Wage growth, employment increase, inflation is higher and quality of life improves.
For businesses what happens during expansion?
Increaced production, increaced investement in new equipment and inccreaced profits.
For governments what happens during expansion?
Collection of company and personal taxes increaced and reduced spending on welfafe.
For individuals what happens during contraction?
Wages decreaced, employement is decarced, inflation is down and decreaced quality of life
For businesses what happens during contraction?
Decreased production, decreased investment in new equipment and decreased profits
For governments what happens during contractions in the economy?
Collection of company and personal taxes is decreaced. and inctreaced spending on welfare.
What are the 5 sectors in the five sector model flow?
Households, firms, financial, government and overseas.
What does the 5 sector flow model show?
The injections and leakages into an economy.
What does the household sector consist of?
The household sector consists of all
individuals in the economy who earn an income (wages, rent, etc.) by selling
productive resources to firms (labour and land).
What does the firms sector consist of?
The firms sector consists of all private
businesses which produce and distribute goods and services to consumers.
Who is included in the two sector model?
Firms and households.
How is the 2 sector model defined?
This 2-Sector model assumes that individuals derive all income (Y) from firms in return for providing resources. It also assumes that all that income is used to purchase goods/Services produced by firms.
What does the financial sector consist of?
The financial sector consists of all financial institutions (eg. banks) who engage in the borrowing and lending of money.
How does the financial sector help stimulate the economy?
The financial sector accepts savings (S) from the household sector. The bank pays interest on these deposited funds. These funds are then lent to the firms sector so to enable investments (I) to be made.
What does the government sector consist of?
The government sector consists of all
economic activities of local, state, territory and federal governments in Australia.
How does the government sector stimulate the economy?
Governments raise revenue through taxation (T). This allows for expenditure (G) such as social security, defence, education and health.
What does the overseas sector consist of?
The overseas sector consists of all other countries with whom there is trade.
How does the overseas sector help to stimulate the economy?
Trade in goods and services consists of either exports (selling to overseas) or imports (buying from overseas).
What do leakages in the economy refer to?
When money is lost in the economy (Leakages remove money or income from the circular flow of income, decreasing aggregate (total) income and the general level of economic activity.)
What are the three leakages in the economy?
- Savings (S) – which go to financial institutions
- Taxation (T) – which go to the Government
- Imports (M) – which go to overseas firms
What are injections in the economy?
Injections are financial boosts to the economy. )Injections into the circular flow model of income are those flows of money that increase aggregate (total) income and the general level of economic activity.)
What are the three injections into the economy?
- Investment (I) – from financial institutions
- Government Expenditure (G)
- Exports (X) – from overseas
What is equilibrium?
When IGX=STM
What is disequillibrium?
When IGX≠ STM
When is it a disequilibrium?
When there are more injections than leakages or visa versa.
What are reasons for increase in demand?
A rise in consumer income, changes in consumer taste, increase in the size of the population, a substitute good becomes more expensive, complementary good becomes cheaper and prices are expected to rise in the future.
What are the reasons for decrease in demand?
A decrease in consumer income, changes in consumer taste that favor different products, a decrease in the size of the population, a substitute good becomes cheaper, a complementary good becomes more expensive, prices are expected to fall in the future.
What are the factors for increased supply?
Increased efficiency, increased production, improved climatic conditions and an increase in number of suppliers.
What are the factors for decreased supply?
Decreased efficiency, decreased production, worsened climatic conditions, and a decrease in the number of suppliers.
Where supply meets demand is known as?
Market equilibrium.
What is a market?
Where a buyer demands ‘things and suppliers who supply the same thing.
Why would there be an intermediary in markets?
When there is a large number of buyers and suppliers.
What do they do?
An intermediary acts to bring buyers and sellers together in an organised way.
What does the share market bring together?
Buyers (demand) and sellers (supply) of shares.
What are shares?
Means by which someone can have partial ownership in a public company.
When shares have been sold and are already in existence these are on what share market?
Secondary share market.
Who is the intermediary who issues shares?
The Australian securities exchange. (ASX)
What is the labour market?
Means by which someone can have partial ownership in a public company.
What are the two labour market intermediaries?
Websites and recruitment firms.
What is the primary reason for government intervention in markets?
To correct market failure.
What are the two sectors that make up the economy?
Private sector and Public sector.
Name a type of good that is not provided by the private sector due to lack of profitability.
Public goods.
What is an example of a public good?
- Defence force
- Judicial system
- Police force
- Street lights
What is a merit good?
A good that is underprovided by the private sector despite societal benefits.
Give an example of a merit good.
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Highways
How do governments intervene to provide public and merit goods?
By providing or paying for them, requiring government expenditure.
What is a de-merit good?
A good that has negative societal impacts and is believed to be excessively produced and consumed.
What are negative externalities?
Negative impacts that are external to the price mechanism.
List three common de-merit goods.
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Drugs
What are three ways the government can intervene regarding de-merit goods?
- Ban
- Restrict use
- Indirect tax
What does environmental degradation refer to?
The deterioration of the natural environment due to pollution and habitat destruction.
How does economic growth relate to environmental degradation?
Increased economic growth requires more inputs, leading to environmental problems.
What is the goal of governments in relation to environmental sustainability?
To preserve the environment for future generations.
Name one way governments can reduce environmental degradation.
- Impose regulations
- Mandate environmental studies
- Indirect taxes on harmful goods
- Subsidize environmentally friendly alternatives
What international agreement aims to address climate change?
The Paris Agreement.
What is the primary focus of macroeconomic policy?
To smooth out fluctuations in the business cycle.
What are the two types of macroeconomic policies?
- Monetary Policy
- Fiscal Policy
What is the role of the RBA in monetary policy?
To manage the cash rate to influence economic activity.
What are the two main goals of the RBA?
- Keep inflation within 2%-3%
- Maintain full employment (approx 4%-4.5%)
What does fiscal policy involve?
Decisions on government expenditure and taxation to address market failures.
What is the largest component of government expenditure in the 2023/24 budget?
Welfare.
How is the total tax collected broken down?
- Individual Tax: 50%
- Company Tax: 22%
- GST: 13%
- Excise Duties: 7%
- Other: 8%
What is the difference between direct and indirect taxes?
Direct taxes are paid by the entity earning income, while indirect taxes are applied to sales and paid by consumers.
What are the two types of taxes based on who pays them?
Direct taxes and Indirect taxes.
What is a Budget Deficit?
When receipts are less than expenditure (G > T).
What is a Budget Surplus?
When receipts are greater than expenditure (G < T).
What is a Balanced Budget?
When receipts equal expenditure (G = T).
What was the budget outcome for 2022/23?
$22bn Surplus.
What is an Expansionary Stance in fiscal policy?
When a budget deficit gets larger or a budget surplus gets smaller.
What is a Contractionary Stance in fiscal policy?
When a budget deficit gets smaller or a budget surplus gets larger.
How do macroeconomic policies operate in a counter-cyclical manner?
They slow down the economy if it is ‘too hot’ and stimulate it if ‘too slow’.
What was the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on taxation revenue?
Taxation revenue declined.
What is the main tool of government to alleviate poverty?
Fiscal Policy.
What are the three ways the government uses fiscal policy to alleviate poverty?
- Progressive Taxation
- Social Welfare Payments
- Provision of services (e.g., health, education, housing)
What is the definition of Globalisation?
The process by which the world is becoming increasingly interconnected due to trade and cultural exchange.
What is Innovation?
Creating a new product, service, or process, or significantly improving an existing one.
What does Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) involve?
Considering the interests of stakeholders, society, and the environment in business decisions.
What is a Not-for-Profit Business?
A business that provides services to the community without earning a profit for its owners.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a business with fewer than five employees.
Micro business.
What is the significance of SMEs in the Australian economy?
They provide employment for about 7 million people
True or False: The government mandates a National Minimum Wage as part of Fiscal Policy.
False
What is the outcome of government intervention on income inequality?
Reduced inequality
What was the gross Federal Government Debt at June 2023?
$890bn
What do morals refer to?
Standards of behaviour, principles of right and wrong.
What do ethics govern?
Moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity.
What are laws?
A set of legal rules that everyone in a community is expected to obey.
What are rules based on?
Established customs that have evolved in a society over time, as well as morals and ethics.
What is the role of laws in society?
To allow us to live in peace, set limits on behaviour, and provide punishments for disobedience.
What does Lady Justice symbolize?
The law, with her blindfold representing equality before the law, scales for balancing needs, and sword for punishment.
What is justice defined as?
The concept of individuals being treated equitably and fairly.
What case is associated with Thomas Kelly?
R v Loveridge [2013] NSWSC 1638, involving an unprovoked attack resulting in a public outcry for justice.
What are the two main classifications of law?
- Private (Civil) Law
- Public Law
What is criminal law?
Laws to protect the general public from harm, where offenders are punished.
What does administrative law deal with?
Decisions and powers of government departments.
What is constitutional law?
Law outlining the powers and authority of the parliament and the rights of citizens.
What does tort law involve?
Infringement of rights resulting in distress or injury.
What is family law concerned with?
Regulating family relationships, including marriage and custody.
What are the two main branches of civil law?
- Torts
- Contract Law
What is negligence?
Failure to take reasonable care resulting in injury to another person.
What is defamation?
Damaging another person’s reputation through false statements.
What is nuisance?
Interference with another person’s right to quiet enjoyment of their property.
What does trespass involve?
Interference with another person or their property rights.
What is a contract?
A legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties.
What elements must be satisfied for a contract to be legally enforceable?
- Offer
- Acceptance
- Consideration
What is the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)?
Sets out the majority of criminal offences for the state.
What are summary offences?
Less serious offences with penalties ranging from a bond or fine to a jail sentence of up to 2 years.
What are indictable offences?
Serious charges tried by a judge and jury, with punishment usually being imprisonment or a large fine.
What does ‘actus reus’ mean?
The physical act of committing a crime.
What does ‘mens rea’ mean?
The intention to commit a crime.
What is common law?
Law developed by judges through court decisions, rather than through statutes.
What is the doctrine of precedent?
The rule that established legal principles should be followed in similar cases.
What is common law?
Developed by judges through court decisions rather than statutes.
What is the ‘doctrine of precedent’?
The rule that legal principles established by a superior court should be followed in similar cases.
What is the body of precedent known as?
Common law.
True or False: In a common law system, decisions of superior courts are binding on inferior courts.
True.
How can a precedent be created?
1) By a judge’s decision when no existing law applies 2) Through statutory interpretation.
What is a judgement that establishes a point of law called?
Precedent.
What does ‘stare decisis’ mean?
‘To stand by a decision’.
What is ‘ratio decidendi’?
The binding part of a court decision that forms the precedent.
What are ‘obiter dicta’?
Remarks made by a judge that are not part of the final decision and are not binding.
Fill in the blank: The spiritual basis of ATSI peoples’ customary law is connected to _______.
[the land].
What is the significance of the Mabo case?
It recognized the traditional rights of Indigenous Australians and overturned the doctrine of terra nullius.