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Differences Between Classical and Keynesian Models

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Basic Theory
Classical economic theory is rooted in the concept of a laissez-faire economic market. A laissez-faire--also known as free--market requires little to no government intervention. It also allows individuals to act according to their own self interest regarding economic decisions. This ensures economic resources are allocated according to the desires of individuals and businesses in the marketplace. Classical economics uses the value theory to determine prices in the economic market. An item’s value is determined based on production output, technology and wages paid to produce the item.

Keynesian economic theory relies on spending and aggregate demand to define the economic marketplace. Keynesian economists believe the aggregate demand is often influenced by public and private decisions. Public decisions represent government agencies and municipalities. Private decisions include individuals and businesses in the economic marketplace. Keynesian economic theory relies heavily on the fact that a nation’s monetary policy can affect a company’s economy.

Government Spending
Government spending is not a major force in a classical economic theory. Classical economists believe that consumer spending and business investment represents the more important parts of a nation’s economic growth. Too much government spending takes away valuable economic resources needed by individuals and businesses. To classical economists, government spending and involvement can retard a nation’s economic growth by increasing the public sector and decreasing the private sector.

Keynesian economics relies on government spending to jumpstart a nation’s economic growth during sluggish economic downturns. Similar to classical economists, Keynesians believe the nation’s economy is made up of consumer spending,

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