Answer:
(a) $202 billion
(b) -$42 billion
Explanation:
Given that,
Actual budget deficit = $160 billion
Marginal tax rate = 12 percent
Economy operates = $350 billion above its potential
(b) Cyclical deficit = Tax rate × (Potential output - Actual output)
= 0.12 × (-$350)
= -$42 billion
Note: We have taken negative $350 because actual output is $350 above the potential level of output.
(a)
Actual deficit = structural deficit + cyclical deficit
$160 = structural deficit + (-$42)
structural deficit = $160 + $42
= $202 billion