Ans 1.
The classical approach to macroeconomics, which dominated economic thought from the late 18th century through the early 20th
century, has several key features that define its theoretical framework. Its principles were instrumental in shaping early economic
policies and thought, but it also encountered significant challenges when addressing the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Key Features of the Classical Approach
1. Self-Regulating Markets: The classical approach, grounded in the work of economists like Adam Smith and David Ricardo, posits
that markets are inherently self-regulating. The idea is that through the mechanism of supply and demand, markets naturally adjust to
ensure that resources are allocated efficiently. If there is an excess supply of goods, prices will fall, leading to an increase in demand
and a return to equilibrium
2. Say's Law: One of the foundational elements of classical economics is Say's Law, which states that "supply creates its own
demand." According to this principle, the production of goods and services will inherently generate an equal amount of demand.
Therefore, any overproduction in one sector will be balanced out by increased demand in another sector, preventing prolonged periods
of unemployment or economic stagnation
3. Flexible Prices and Wages: Classical economics assumes that prices and wages are flexible and will adjust to changes in supply
and demand. For example, if unemployment rises, wages will decrease, making labor cheaper and thus increasing employment as firms
hire more workers. This flexibility is believed to ensure that any imbalances in the economy are corrected over time.
4. Long-Run Focus: Classical economics emphasizes the long-run perspective, arguing that in the long term, the economy will always
return to its natural level of output or full employment Short-run fluctuations are seen as temporary and self-correcting, with the
economy operating efficiently in the long run.
5. Minimal Government Intervention: Classical economists advocate for minimal government intervention in the economy. They argue
that the free market is the most efficient mechanism for allocating resources and that government interference, such as through fiscal or
monetary policy, can disrupt the natural balance of the economy.
6. Quantity Theory of Money: This theory, closely associated with classical economics, suggests that changes in the money supply
directly affect the price level. It posits that an increase in the money supply will lead to a proportional increase in prices, assuming that
the velocity of money and output remain constant.
Failure to Explain the Great Depression Despite its theoretical strengths, the classical approach struggled to explain and
address the Great Depression, which began in 1929 and persisted throughout the 1930s. Several factors contributed to this
failure:
1. Inadequate Attention to Demand Shortages: Say's Law, a cornerstone of classical economics, asserts that supply creates its own
demand. However, the Great Depression exposed a critical flaw in this view. During the Depression, massive unemployment and
widespread business failures occurred despite significant reductions in prices and wages. The classical model could not account for
the possibility that aggregate demand could fall short of aggregate supply, leading to prolonged economic downturns.
2. Rigidities in Prices and Wages: While classical economics assumes that prices and wages are flexible, the Great Depression
demonstrated that this flexibility is not always sufficient to restore equilibrium. In practice, wages and prices were sticky downward,
meaning they did not adjust quickly or sufficiently to reflect changes in economic conditions. This rigidity exacerbated unemployment
and prolonged the economic downturn.
3. Increased Government Intervention: The classical view advocates for minimal government intervention, but the severity of the
Great Depression led to a significant shift in economic policy.Governments around the world, notably under the New Deal in the United
States, began to adopt more interventionist approaches to address the crisis. This included fiscal stimulus programs, public works
projects, and regulatory reforms, which were contrary to classical principles.