The fundamental Economic problem is one of scarcity. The basic question of economics becomes:

1. What to produce?
2. How to produce?
3. For whom to produce?

You could also add

• When to produce?

What to produce?

Given limited resources of labour, raw materials and time, economic agents have to decide what to Produce. Most primitive economies concentrate on producing food and shelter – the basic necessities of life. However, with increased productivity, the economy has more available resources which can be used for non-necessary goods, such as leisure and education.

In a free Market, production is determined by market forces. Firms and entrepreneurs will Produce Goods in demand by consumers. In a mixed economy, with Government intervention, the government may decide to produce more public goods – which are not profitable, but do improve economic welfare.

How to produce?

The entrepreneur will try and produce goods for the most profitable and cost effective method. This motivation is behind the growth of technology and more efficient production methods, such as the assembly line. A government may regulate production methods to limit damage to the environment.

For whom to produce?

In a free market, goods are provided for those with the ability to pay. This maybe through a simple barter exchange or in more advanced economies through cash payments. In more altruistic societies, we may seek to produce goods and services for those, who may not be able to afford them. For example, many western economies provide health care free at the point of use.

Other significant economic questions

• To what extent should the government intervene in the market? – How much should government raise tax and use this revenue to finance public spending on merit and demerit goods.
• How to define economic welfare? For example, simple monetary terms, like real GDP – give only a partial reflection on living standards. Real living standards depend on other indexes like health care, quality of environment.
• To what extent can the government / Central Bank influence the macro-economy? – reducing unemployment, inflation and promoting economic growth.
• What is the difference between micro and macro economics?
• What are the uses and limitations of economic data? the issue of cherry picking data
• What is the importance of economics?
• Does globalisation help or hinder developing countries?
• Should higher education be free?

Frequently asked questions

• What does the government spend its money on?
• Who does the government owe money to?
• Where does the money come from?
• Does a devaluation help the economy?