Microeconomics
Microeconomics
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781260507041
Author: Colander, David
Publisher: MCGRAW-HILL HIGHER EDUCATION
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Chapter 6, Problem 6IP

In 2004, Congress allocated over $20 billion to fight illegal drugs. About 60 percent of the funds was directed at reducing the supply of drugs through domestic law enforcement and interdiction. Some critics of this approach argue that supply-side approaches to reduce the drug supply actually help drug producers.

  1. a. Demonstrate graphically the effect of supply-side measures on the market for illegal drugs.
  2. b. Explain how these measures affect drug producers. (Hint: Consider the elasticity of demand.)
  3. c. Demonstrate the effect of demand-side measures such as treatment and prevention on the market for illegal drugs.
  4. d. How does the shift in demand affect the profitability of producers?
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Price elasticity of demand estimates come up often when taxes are being placed on goods. Why do you think knowing the price elasticity of demand is important for policy? Despite large taxes on cigarettes (and the predicted decrease in consumption), the tobacco industry has seen steadily rising profits. What can explain this? What do you think would happen to the price elasticity of demand as e-cigarettes become more popular and available?
About 100 million pounds of jelly beans are consumed in the U. S. each year, and the price has been about 50 cents per pound. However, jelly bean producers feel that their incomes are too low and have convinced the government that price supports are in order. The government will therefore buy up as many jelly beans as necessary to keep the price at $1 per pound. However, government economists are worried about the impact of this program because they have no estimates of the elasticities of jelly bean demand or supply. 1. Given the market data shown in the graph, the price support costs the government $ ___ million. 2. Which of the following would increase the cost of the program? A) The demand curve becomes relatively more elastic. B) The supply curve becomes relatively more elastice. C) The supply curve becomes relatively mor inelastic. D) Both A and C. E) Both A and B. 3. Draw a new supply or demand curve in such a way the price support causes the greatest loss in consumer surplus.…
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