What does discretionary fiscal policy involve?

Discretionary fiscal policy involves the intentional adjustment of government spending and taxation to influence economic activity. This type of policy is enacted through legislative action and is used to achieve macroeconomic goals such as stimulating economic growth during a recession or cooling down an overheated economy. By altering spending levels or tax rates, the government can directly impact aggregate demand, making this a powerful tool for economists and policymakers.

In contrast, adjusting interest rates pertains to monetary policy, which is managed by the central bank and focuses on controlling the money supply and credit conditions. Regulatory policies typically aim to manage specific economic conditions, such as inflation, but do not fall under the category of fiscal policy. Tariffs impose taxes on imported goods, which is a more trade-oriented approach rather than a fiscal action focused on changing government spending or taxation levels.