Suppose demand decreases, but there is no change in supply. As the market reaches its new equilibrium:

Which of the following is the best example of an automatic stabilizer?

a. Welfare payments. b. Foreign aid c. Defense spending. d. Highway construction.

Direct shipment of wine to individuals is illegal. Some wineries want the law revoked. They argue that the ability to ship directly to consumers helps small wineries and that shipping bans unfairly protect home-state wineries, raising prices to consumers. Others argue that the bans allow states to collect tax revenues and to keep wine from being sold to minors. What would most economists say about whether this ban should stay or be eliminated?

A. Because there would be people harmed, lifting the ban would not be Pareto optimal. Therefore, eliminating the ban is a bad policy. B. There are benefits to lifting the ban but also costs, and unless we know these costs and benefits, we cannot decide. C. Lifting the ban would make taxes less equitable. Therefore, the ban should remain. D. Economists would argue that competition is good and the ban prevents competition. Therefore, the ban should be lifted.