Ten Propositions about Which Most Economists Agree

#1 A ceiling on rents reduces the quantity and quality of housing available. (93%)

#2 Tariffs and import quotas usually reduce general economic welfare. (93%)

#3 Flexible and floating exchange rates offer an effective international monetary arrangement. (90%)

#4 Fiscal Policy *e.g. Tax cut and/or government expenditure increases) has a significant stimulative impact on a less than fully employed economy.(90%)

#5 If the federal budget is to be balanced, it should be done over the business cycle, rather than yearly.(85%)

#6 Cash payments increase the welfare of recipients to a greater degree than do transfers-in-kind of equal cash value. (84%)

#7 A large federal budget deficit has an adverse effect on the economy.(83%)

#8 A minimum wage increases unemployment among young and unskilled workers.(79%)

#9 The government should restructure the welfare system along the lines of a "negative income tax."(79%)

#10 Effluent taxes and marketable pollution permits represent a better approach to pollution control and imposition of pollution ceilings.(78%)