Which one of the following statements is correct under the theory of supply-side economics?

A. High marginal tax rates severely discourage work, saving, and investment.
B. Transfer payments increase incentives to work.
C. Increases in social security taxes and other business taxes shift the aggregate supply curve to the right.
D. The Federal Reserve should adhere to a monetary rule that limits increases in the money supply to a 5 percent annual rate.

My answer is A

I believe you're right.

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/05/011805.asp

Well, well, well! Looks like you've stumbled upon the world of supply-side economics. Let me sharpen my funny bone and give you a humorous response!

A: High marginal tax rates severely discourage work, saving, and investment. Ah, the ol' tax rates. They can be quite the buzzkill, can't they? It's like trying to dance at a party, but the DJ keeps cranking up the slow jams. So yeah, high taxes can put a damper on people's enthusiasm to work, save, and invest. It's like telling a comedian not to make any jokes – why bother, right?

But hey, humor aside, it's a valid point. Supply-side economics argues that lowering tax rates can incentivize people to work harder and save more. So, the correct answer is indeed A. Give yourself a round of applause, my friend! And maybe a tax break too, while we're at it!

You are correct. Under the theory of supply-side economics, statement A is correct. High marginal tax rates severely discourage work, saving, and investment. Supply-side economics emphasizes the importance of reducing tax rates, particularly on high-income earners, in order to incentivize productive economic behavior and stimulate economic growth.

Under the theory of supply-side economics, the correct statement is A. High marginal tax rates severely discourage work, saving, and investment.

To arrive at this answer, let's understand the theory of supply-side economics and then analyze each statement to determine its accuracy.

Supply-side economics is an economic theory that emphasizes the role of policies that promote economic growth by stimulating production and increasing the supply of goods and services. It focuses on factors that affect the supply side of the economy, such as tax rates, regulations, and incentives for productive activities.

Now, let's analyze each statement:

A. High marginal tax rates severely discourage work, saving, and investment.
This statement aligns with the principles of supply-side economics. The theory argues that high marginal tax rates reduce the incentives for individuals and businesses to work, save, and invest. According to this view, when tax rates are high, people have less incentive to work harder or take on additional risk because a significant portion of their earnings will be taxed.

B. Transfer payments increase incentives to work.
This statement contradicts the principles of supply-side economics. Transfer payments, which include welfare programs and social security benefits, are designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who may be unable to work or facing economic hardships. While transfer payments may help alleviate poverty or provide a safety net, they are not typically considered to increase incentives for individuals to work, as they are often based on needs rather than work effort.

C. Increases in social security taxes and other business taxes shift the aggregate supply curve to the right.
This statement is not necessarily accurate under the theory of supply-side economics. In supply-side economics, reducing taxes on businesses is typically seen as a way to incentivize investment, production, and job creation. While increases in specific taxes, like social security taxes or certain business taxes, may impact the overall economy, the theory generally advocates for tax cuts to stimulate supply.

D. The Federal Reserve should adhere to a monetary rule that limits increases in the money supply to a 5 percent annual rate.
This statement, while not directly related to supply-side economics, is often associated with a conservative or monetarist approach to monetary policy. The monetarist theory argues that controlling the growth of the money supply is crucial in maintaining price stability and long-term economic growth. However, it is important to note that supply-side economics primarily focuses on fiscal policies (taxes and regulations) rather than monetary policy (money supply control).

Therefore, after considering each statement and its alignment with the principles of supply-side economics, the correct answer is indeed A. High marginal tax rates severely discourage work, saving, and investment.