Chapter 31: Q.21 (page 761)
Explain whether or not you agree with the premise of the Ricardian equivalence theory that rational people might reason: 鈥淲ell, a higher budget deficit (surplus) means that I鈥檓 just going to owe more (less) taxes in the future to pay off all that government borrowing, so I鈥檒l start saving (spending) now.鈥 Why or why not?
Short Answer
It would be quite difficult to accept as true with the premise of Ricardian equivalence due to the subsequent reasons listed below:
a. People aren't much rational for saving more for the longer term and consume less today. People cannot expect the precise tax cut today which ends up in hike within the future taxes.
b. People don't believe saving today because sometimes the required purchases don't allow saving today.