LESSON 4

WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC

FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT?

FOCUS: UNDERSTANDING ECONOMICS IN CIVICS AND GOVERNMENT © COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION, NEW YORK, NY 45
LESSON 4
WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT?

INTRODUCTION CONCEPTS
In order to ensure and support economic • Competition
freedom as well as political freedom, the
• Economic stabilization
founders of the United States envisioned a
limited role for the government in economic • Externality
affairs. In a market economy such as the one
• Income redistribution
established by the U. S. Constitution, most
economic decisions are made by individual • Public goods and services
buyers and sellers, not by the government.
• Social and legal framework
Still, the U.S. government’s role in the
OBJECTIVES
economy is not trivial. It includes, most econ-
omists believe, responsibility for six major Students will be able to:
functions. The government (1) provides the
legal and social framework within which the 1. Classify government economic activities
economy operates, (2) maintains competition according to the six economic functions of
in the marketplace, (3) provides public goods government.
and services, (4) redistributes income, (5) cor- 2. Analyze governmental economic actions
rects for externalities, and (6) takes certain within the liberal/conservative framework.
actions to stabilize the economy.
CONTENT STANDARDS
Citizens, interest groups, and political
Economics (CEE Standards)
leaders disagree about the proper scope of
government activities within each of these • There is an economic role for government
functions. Over time, as society and the econ- in a market economy whenever the bene-
omy have changed, government activities in fits of a government policy outweigh its
each area have generally expanded. costs. Governments often provide for
Moreover, around the world, other societies national defense, address environmental
with market economies have generally favored concerns, define and protect property
a larger economic role for government, some- rights, and attempt to make markets more
times endorsing actions beyond the six func- competitive. Most government policies also
tions addressed in this lesson. redistribute income. (Standard 16)
• Federal government budgetary policy and
the Federal Reserve System’s monetary
LESSON DESCRIPTION policy influence the overall levels of
The teacher introduces six economic func- employment, output, and prices. (Standard
tions of government in a brief lecture. In a 20)
guided practice activity, the students classify
Civics and Government (NSCG
newspaper headlines according to the six
Standards, Grades 9-12)
functions. A brief reading introduces “liberal”
and “conservative” views of the proper scope of • The relationship of limited government to
government economic activity. The lesson con- political and economic freedom. (Standard
cludes with students working in groups to I.B.4)
develop liberal and conservative arguments
• Character of American political conflict.
about one of the newspaper headlines.
(Standard II.C.2)

46 FOCUS: UNDERSTANDING ECONOMICS IN CIVICS AND GOVERNMENT © COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION, NEW YORK, NY
 WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT? LESSON 4

• Major responsibilities of the national to such a restriction of their freedom of

government in domestic and foreign policy. choice. Finding one’s own yellow car in a
(Standard III.B.2) parking lot full of yellow cars might be
difficult. The yellow-only rule might
TIME REQUIRED encourage people who don’t like yellow to
90 minutes purchase cars manufactured outside the
United States, or to repaint their yellow
MATERIALS cars illegally.)
• A transparency of Visual 4.1 4. Review the examples discussed thus far,
real and hypothetical: from governmental
• A copy for each student of Activities 4.1,
provisions for national defense to govern-
4.2, and 4.3
ment-sponsored vacations for everybody.
Explain that most Americans (not all)
PROCEDURE
agree that government should do some of
1. Tell the students that the purpose of this these things and should not do others, for
lesson is to examine the economic func- various reasons. But what reasons? What
tions of government. Ask the class to general ideas might Americans look to for
suggest some economic activities of local, guidance in thinking about the govern-
state, and national governments. List ment’s proper, limited role in the nation’s
several responses on the board. (Possible economy? Economists who study this ques-
responses include providing for national tion have a six-part answer. They general-
defense, providing low-cost meals at school, ly contend (again, not all of them) that
paying Social Security benefits, building government has six legitimate functions to
and repairing roads, etc.) perform within the U.S. economy. The
2. Point out that government could do all class now will turn to a consideration of
sorts of things. For example, it could pro- these six functions.
vide everyone with an MP3 player, or pro- 5. Display Visual 4.1 and distribute copies of
vide everyone with an annual vacation at it (Visual 4.1 also serves as Activity 4.1).
a theme park. Ask: What problems might Explain each of the six economic functions
arise if the government expanded its role of government. Solicit examples from the
along these lines? (These new programs students for each function, and ask what
would cost a lot of money. To pay for them, would happen if government did not per-
people would have to pay higher taxes. form this function. Have the students
Higher taxes would create economic ineffi- write examples and notes on their copies
ciencies. And people not interested in MP3 of the activity.
players or theme parks would object that
their tax money was being wasted.) • Maintain the Legal and Social
Framework:
3. Pose another hypothetical example, this
time concerning government regulation: Define and enforce property rights.
Government imposes lots of rules in the (Government passes laws and estab-
economy—workplace safety regulations, lishes a court system. No one could sell
for example. But some things still go property, invest, or have confidence in
unregulated. Why not regulate in every contracts if this legal system did not
problem area? What would happen if the exist.)
government decided that all new cars pro- Establish a monetary system.
duced in the United States must be yellow, (The federal government controls the
since yellow cars are easier for other driv- amount of money circulating in the
ers to see? What might be problematic economy; it also regulates banks and
about that? (Many Americans would object other financial institutions. People

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LESSON 4 WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT?

would have to barter for the goods and (Positive externalities exist when some of
services they wanted if this monetary the benefits associated with production or
system did not exist, and they might consumption “spill over” to third parties—
stay away from banks if banks were not people other than the producer or consumer
regulated.) of the product. One example is public edu-
cation. Government subsidizes education
• Maintain Competition: because its benefits flow to the students
and to society in general. We would have
Create and enforce antitrust laws, and
fewer benefits linked to education without
regulate natural monopolies.
subsidization.)
(The government sued Microsoft for monop-
oly practices; the government regulates the
• Stabilize the Economy:
prices charged by companies that distrib-
ute natural gas to homes. Companies Reduce unemployment and inflation, and
might charge higher prices and provide promote economic growth.
poor products if government policies did (The federal government attempts to stabi-
not promote competition.) lize the economy through applications of
fiscal policy [by raising or lowering taxes,
• Provide Public Goods and Services: or by government spending] and monetary
policy [by controlling the money supply or
Public goods and services are those that
by changing interest rates]. Without these
markets will not provide in sufficient
actions, the economy might take much
quantities.
longer than it ordinarily does to recover
(Examples include national defense, road-
from recessions.)
ways, post offices and mail carriers, light-
houses, public defenders, public health
• Redistribute Income:
clinics, public schools, and other important
goods and services. Some important goods Redistribute income from people who have
and services would be unavailable if the higher incomes to those with lower
government did not provide them.) incomes.
(Redistribution usually involves higher tax
• Correct for Externalities: rates for people with higher incomes. The
tax revenue raised in this way helps to pay
Reduce negative externalities.
for various welfare programs, the Medicaid
(Negative externalities exist when some of
program, legal defense clinics, etc. Some
the costs associated with production or
people could not afford basic necessities
consumption “spill over” to third parties—
without government redistribution pro-
people other than the producer or consumer
grams.)
of the product. One example is pollution of
lakes and rivers caused, for example, by
6. Distribute Activity 4.2. Explain that the 12
industrial waste. The pollution affects
newspaper headlines are fictitious but real-
everybody who uses the lakes and rivers,
istic, each one referring to a government
including those who had no part in pro-
activity. The students are to classify each
ducing or purchasing the products causing
headline by writing in the letter of the eco-
the pollution. Government regulates pollu-
nomic function that fits it best. Check the
tion. The environment would be far more
students’ answers and discuss the exercise
polluted without government action.)
in class.
Encourage increased production of
goods and services that have positive
externalities.

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 WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT? LESSON 4

Headlines • A Congressional leader argues that

there should be a constitutional amend-
1. Federal Reserve Raises Key Interest
ment that limits the size of the federal
Rate (E)
government. Is this policymaker more
2. Congress Raises Tax Rates for Top likely to be liberal or conservative?
Income Brackets (F) (Conservative.)
8. Explain that the class will examine head-
3. EPA Plan to Reduce CO2 Emissions
line 9 (Legislature Passes Funding for
(D)
Subsidized Housing) in Activity 4.2, from
4. Homeland Security Funding the liberal and conservative perspectives.
Increased (C) Divide the class into small groups.
Designate each group as holding either a
5. President Says More Spending Will liberal or a conservative viewpoint. Each
Fight Recession (E) group should then discuss how a liberal or
conservative would view headline 9. Ask
6. Agency Blocks Merger of Two the members of each group to select a
Airlines (B) spokesperson to report their findings.
7. City Police Increase Neighborhood After the groups have completed their
Patrols (A or C) work, have the spokespersons present
their arguments to the class as a whole.
8. Lawsuit Establishes Patent Rights (A) 9. Conclude this activity by pointing out that
9. Legislature Passes Funding for liberals and conservatives are at the
Subsidized Housing (F) opposing end of a spectrum. Many people
find themselves to be located in different
10. New Info from Government Agency places along the spectrum.
Helps Consumers Choose Wisely
(A, B, or C) CLOSURE
Call on the students to name the six
11. Songwriter Sues Singer; Says Song
economic functions of government. After each
Stolen (A)
function is named, ask other students to give
12. County Funds Free Flu Vaccinations an example. Ask the class why, since there is
(D) broad agreement that government should
perform these functions, there is disagreement
sometimes about whether government should
7. Distribute Activity 4.3. If appropriate,
engage in particular activities.
have a few students read the information
aloud. Call on students to state specific
ASSESSMENT
liberal and conservative arguments,
informed by Activity 4.3, and list these on Multiple-Choice Questions
the chalkboard. Check for understanding 1. Public goods and services are
with the following two questions.
A. all goods and services paid for by
• Suppose a U.S. senator proposes government.
legislation that increases taxes for
B. goods and services provided by publicly
higher-income taxpayers, in order to
held companies.
provide more funds for public education.
Is this senator more likely to have a C. goods and services that would not
conservative view or a liberal view of be adequately provided by the
the economic role of government? market.
(Liberal view.)
D. goods and services that are available to
the public.

FOCUS: UNDERSTANDING ECONOMICS IN CIVICS AND GOVERNMENT © COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION, NEW YORK, NY 49
LESSON 4 WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT?

2. Establishing and enforcing clearly defined property rights is an example of

government
A. providing a social and legal framework.
B. maintaining competition.
C. providing public goods and services.
D. redistributing income.

3. Smoke from a factory drops ash all over your car. Government’s economic function in this case
is to
A. stabilize the economy.
B. maintain competition.
C. provide public goods and services.
D. correct a negative externality.

Constructed-Response Questions
1. Federal regulations now require Internet radio stations to pay substantial royalty fees (fees to
the artists and songwriters) for the music that they play. Some stations were not able to pay
the fees and have gone “off the air.” What economic function of government is this an example
of? Who benefits and loses from the regulation? What argument would you make for and
against the regulation?
(These regulations are an example of government policy aimed at establishing and enforcing
property rights. The protection of property rights is an element of the legal and social framework
government establishes. In this case, songwriters and artists benefit from the legal protection in
question; the regulation maintains their property rights and enhances their incentive to produce
music. Radio station operators and listeners lose. There are fewer Internet radio stations and
less choice for listeners.)

2. Many city governments subsidize the construction of sports stadiums as a way to attract or hold
on to sports teams. Write an argument for this practice, using the economic functions of govern-
ment in support of your claim. Then present an alternative view, arguing against your initial
claim.
(Public support for sports stadiums might be regarded as an example of correcting for externali-
ties. The economic argument for taxpayer-financed subsidization is that the sports teams provide
substantial external benefits. The city gains visibility that might attract new businesses and visi-
tors who will spend money in the city. Thus, many people benefit, including those who never
attend any stadium events. Opponents argue that there is little “spill-over” benefit since people
who attend stadium events do so instead of paying for other recreational activities, like going out
to restaurants, museums, or shopping in local stores. Moreover, attending a stadium event seems
to be a private activity, like going bowling or golfing or seeing a movie; those who want to partici-
pate in such activities should pay their own way.)

50 FOCUS: UNDERSTANDING ECONOMICS IN CIVICS AND GOVERNMENT © COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION, NEW YORK, NY
 WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT? LESSON 4

VISUAL 4.1/ACTIVITY 4.1

SIX ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT

1. Maintain the Legal and Social Framework

2. Maintain Competition

3. Provide Public Goods and Services

4. Correct for Externalities

5. Stabilize the Economy

6. Redistribute Income

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LESSON 4 WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT?

ACTIVITY 4.2
CLASSIFYING GOVERNMENT ACTIONS
Directions: Below is a list of the six economic functions of government, followed by a set of 12 (fic-
titious) newspaper headlines. Decide which of the six economic functions is referred to, directly or
by implication, in each headline. Classify each headline according to the six functions by writing in
the letter of the economic function that best fits that headline.

The Six Economic Functions:

A. Maintain the Legal and Social Framework
B. Maintain Competition
C. Provide Public Goods and Services
D. Correct for Externalities
E. Stabilize the Economy
F. Redistribute Income

The Headlines:

____ 1. Federal Reserve Raises Key Interest Rate

____ 2. Congress Raises Tax Rates for Top Income Brackets

____ 3. EPA Plan to Reduce CO2 Emissions

____ 4. Homeland Security Funding Increased

____ 5. President Says More Spending Will Fight Recession

____ 6. Agency Blocks Merger of Two Airlines

____ 7. City Police Increase Neighborhood Patrols

____ 8. Lawsuit Establishes Patent Rights

____ 9. Legislature Passes Funding for Subsidized Housing

____ 10. New Info from Government Agency Helps Consumers Choose Wisely

____ 11. Songwriter Sues Singer; Says Song Stolen

____ 12. County Funds Free Flu Vaccinations

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 WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT? LESSON 4

ACTIVITY 4.3
WHAT ROLE SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT PLAY IN THE
ECONOMY?
Although it is generally agreed that there is a role for the government to play in redistributing
income in favor of the poor, providing public goods and services, and dealing with externalities,
there is considerable disagreement over how far the government should go in these areas—and
about additional areas for which some people believe the government should be responsible. Some
people believe that “big government” is already a problem—that government is doing too much.
Others believe that the government sector of the economy is being starved and that government
should be allowed to do more. In the United States, the former view is associated with what is
commonly called “conservative” political thinking; the latter view is associated with “liberal”
political thinking.

The Conservative View

Conservatives believe that the government’s role in the economy should be severely limited.
They believe that economic and political freedom will be undermined by excessive reliance on gov-
ernment. Moreover, they question the government’s ability to solve social and economic problems.
They believe that faith in the government’s power to solve these problems is unreasonable. They
point to the slowness of government bureaucracy, the difficulty in controlling huge government
organizations, the problems political considerations can breed, and the difficulties that arise when
people try to learn whether government programs are successful or not. On the basis of these con-
siderations, they argue that the government’s role should be carefully limited. They call for more
and better information about what government can reasonably be expected to do (and do well).

The Liberal View

While conservatives often question the government’s ability to solve important social and economic
problems, liberals often question the market’s ability to solve such problems. They point to important
limitations within the market system, and they claim that the government can do a great deal to
overcome these limitations. Government can regulate private economic activity—for example,
through minimum-wage laws. It can also provide goods and services that private businesses produce
in insufficient quantities—for example, health care for the poor. In their advocacy for government
programs of this sort, liberals tend to be less concerned than conservatives about the effects on
personal freedom that may be a consequence of governmental intervention in the economy. They
are more concerned with certain consequences of market activity—contending, for example, that the
price system is unfair because it awards goods and services to those who can pay the price. In their
view, people who acquire little in the way of goods and services through market activity are forced
into lives of hardship. Liberals are, therefore, more concerned than conservatives about the unequal
distribution of income produced by market activity and are more likely to propose government
policies aimed at redistributing income in a manner that will reduce income inequality.

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LESSON 4 WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT?

ACTIVITY 4.3, CONTINUED

WHAT ROLE SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT PLAY IN THE
ECONOMY?
Questions for Discussion

1. Suppose a U.S. Senator proposes legislation that increases taxes for higher- income taxpayers
in order to make more funds available for public education. Is this Senator more likely to have a
conservative view or a liberal view of the economic role of government?

2. A Congressional leader argues that there should be a constitutional amendment that limits the
size of the federal government. Is this policymaker more likely to be liberal or conservative?

54 FOCUS: UNDERSTANDING ECONOMICS IN CIVICS AND GOVERNMENT © COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION, NEW YORK, NY