Fiscal policy of the United States is one of increased spending to help stimulate the economy. A good example of this can be seen with the President's proposal to spend $447 billion on encouraging employers to hire new workers and through government infrastructure projects. While at the same time, it is providing assistance to the states to help hire police officers, fireman and teachers. These different elements are important, because they are showing how the U.S. government's fiscal policy is focused on spending more to stimulate economic growth. (Stein, 2011) Would you describe it as "expansionary" or "contractionary"?

This policy would be described as both expansionary and contractionary. Where, it is spending more money to stimulate the economy. While at the same time, it is relaying on dramatic reductions in spending. This is designed to provide support to those sectors of the economy that need the most assistance. (Stein, 2011)

How can American consumers influence decision makers on fiscal policies?

The way American consumers can sway policymakers is based upon their contributions to the economy. In those areas that are most vital, Congress has created legislation that was designed to encourage everyone to spend money. A good example of this can be seen with the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (EGTRRA) of 2001 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. In both cases, these regulations were...

This is significant, because it is showing how various laws are enacted to boost household expenditures. (Fox, 2010)
Explain and discuss if and how this has changed over the past 5 years

Over the past five years, this has changed from: using tax cuts to stimulate the economy to taking more unorthodox measures. The most notable is: to have the government spending large sums of money in supporting consumer confidence (i.e. Cash for Clunkers). While at the same time, there has been an emphasis on bailing out those businesses that are deemed too big to fail (i.e. The banks and the automakers). These different elements are important because, they are showing how there has been a change in focus during the last five years. As government officials are willing to use any means necessary to stimulate the economy. (Dapena, 2009)

Part B

Describe when and why central banks buy either their own currency or the currency of another nation in an effort to control exchange rates.

The reason why central banks are buying currency is to influence the exchange rates of their money in relation to different trading partners. Where, they could aggressively buy in their own currency or they could be purchasing that of another country. The basic idea is that this will reduce the available supply of a particular…