AP Macroeconomics FRQ Room

Ace the free response questions on your AP Macroeconomics exam with practice FRQs graded by Kai. Choose your subject below.

Which subject are you taking?

Knowt can make mistakes. Consider checking important information.

Pick your exam

AP Macroeconomics Free Response Questions

The best way to get better at FRQs is practice. Browse through dozens of practice AP Macroeconomics FRQs to get ready for the big day.

  • View all (250)
  • Unit 1: Basic Economic Concepts (48)
  • Unit 2: Economic Indicators and the Business Cycle (45)
  • Unit 3: National Income and Price Determination (45)
  • Unit 4: Financial Sector (38)
  • Unit 5: Long-Run Consequences of Stabilization Policies (37)
  • Unit 6: Open Economy—International Trade and Finance (37)
Unit 1: Basic Economic Concepts

AD-AS Analysis of a Decrease in Consumer Spending

Analyze the macroeconomic effects of a 10% decline in consumer spending using the aggregate demand–a

Medium

Analysis of Production Possibilities Curve (PPC) and Opportunity Costs

This question assesses your understanding of the Production Possibilities Curve (PPC), its concave s

Medium

Changes in Demand: The Impact of Consumer Preferences

This question examines how shifts in consumer preferences can alter demand and market equilibrium th

Easy

Comparative Advantage and Trade

Two countries, Country A and Country B, produce wine and cheese. Use the production data provided to

Medium

Comparative Advantage and Trade Decisions

This question examines the concepts of absolute and comparative advantage and their implications for

Medium

Comparative Advantage and Trade Opportunities

Analyze trade between two countries and determine how specialization can lead to mutual gains.

Medium

Comparative Advantage in International Trade: Calculation and Application

This question focuses on applying the concept of comparative advantage to determine gains from trade

Hard

Comprehensive Review of Basic Economic Concepts

This comprehensive question integrates multiple basic economic concepts including scarcity, opportun

Extreme

Consumer Surplus Analysis and Reservation Price

Examine the concept of consumer surplus, its relation to reservation price, and its quantification u

Easy

Demand Analysis in a Competitive Market

This question focuses on the demand concept, including shifts due to income changes and substitutes.

Medium

Demand Determinants Analysis

This question focuses on the determinants of demand and their effects on market equilibrium. Answer

Easy

Economic Decision-Making in Business: Balancing Costs and Benefits

Evaluate a firm's investment decisions by analyzing opportunity costs and net benefits.

Medium

Economic Efficiency: Productive and Allocative Efficiency

This question focuses on the concepts of productive and allocative efficiency and their relation to

Easy

Economic Growth and Contraction: Business Cycle Dynamics

Discuss the concepts of economic expansion and contraction, and analyze a simplified business cycle

Medium

Economic Growth and Recession

This question requires you to analyze economic growth and recession using macroeconomic indicators.

Hard

Evaluating the Impact of Economic Contraction

This question explores the effects of economic contraction on key economic indicators and possible p

Medium

FRQ 4: Market Equilibrium and Supply Shock Analysis

Analyze the impact of a supply shock on market equilibrium by applying supply and demand concepts us

Hard

FRQ 5: Determinants of Demand – Impact on Market Equilibrium

Evaluate how changes in various determinants of demand affect market equilibrium using a hypothetica

Easy

FRQ 6: Supply Determinants and Market Response

Analyze how various determinants of supply influence market equilibrium using the provided table on

Medium

FRQ 15: Supply Shift Due to Increased Production Costs

Analyze how a rise in production costs affects the supply curve and the subsequent market equilibriu

Easy

FRQ 17: Impact of a Supply Shock on Aggregate Output and Prices

Apply aggregate demand and aggregate supply analysis to evaluate the short-run and long-run effects

Hard

FRQ 18: Evaluating Efficiency and Economic Growth through the PPC

Using the provided PPC graph, examine issues of productive and allocative efficiency, and analyze sh

Medium

FRQ 20: Strategic Resource Allocation in a Competitive Firm

A firm faces limited resources and must allocate them between producing Product A and Product B. Ana

Extreme

Government Intervention: Price Floors and Market Equilibrium

This question investigates the effects of government-imposed price floors on market equilibrium.

Medium

Graphical Analysis of Demand Shifts

This question investigates how changes in consumer preferences affect market demand and equilibrium

Hard

Impact of Rising Labor Costs on Supply

A widget manufacturing firm faces a significant increase in labor costs due to rising wages. This in

Easy

Input and Output Problems in International Trade

This question addresses international trade issues by analyzing input and output decisions based on

Extreme

Loanable Funds Market: Government Borrowing and Interest Rate Determination

Investigate how increased government borrowing affects the loanable funds market and the equilibrium

Hard

Market Adjustment: Surplus and Shortage Dynamics in the Electric Car Market

In the electric car market, assume that due to high demand, the market is experiencing a shortage wh

Medium

Market Equilibrium and Disequilibrium Analysis

This question explores how market equilibrium is determined and what happens when the market is not

Easy

Money Demand and Supply Analysis

Analyze the effects of an increase in money demand on the money market equilibrium. Consider the imp

Hard

Natural Resources Scarcity and Economic Decisions

This question examines how the scarcity of natural resources influences production decisions and tra

Medium

Opportunity Cost and Trade-offs Analysis

This question explores the concept of opportunity cost and trade-offs in individual decision-making.

Medium

Opportunity Cost in Consumer Decision-Making

This question focuses on understanding opportunity cost in the context of everyday consumer decision

Easy

Opportunity Cost in Production Decisions for Firms

This question investigates how a firm makes production decisions by analyzing opportunity costs when

Medium

Price Floor Effects in Agricultural Markets

This question focuses on the impact of a government-imposed price floor on market outcomes, using th

Medium

Production Possibilities and Economic Efficiency

Examine the concept of production possibilities and efficiency. Answer each part using definitions,

Easy

Production Possibility Curve, Economic Growth, and Efficiency

Examine the production possibilities of an economy that produces two goods: Good A and Good B.

Hard

Scarcity and Opportunity Cost in Resource Allocation

This question evaluates your understanding of the concepts of scarcity and opportunity cost as they

Easy

Scarcity and Prioritization in Public Policy

This question examines how scarcity influences government spending decisions and the trade-offs that

Medium

Scarcity, Trade-offs, and Opportunity Costs

This question examines the concepts of scarcity, trade-offs, and opportunity cost. Answer each part

Medium

Supply Determinants and Shifts

This question examines the determinants of supply and how they cause shifts in the supply curve. Ans

Easy

Supply Determinants and Shifts Analysis

This question focuses on the determinants of supply using the ROTTEN acronym (Resources, Other good

Medium

Supply Determinants and Shifts in the Supply Curve

This question tests your understanding of the determinants of supply and how they shift the supply c

Easy

Supply Response to Rising Production Costs

This question examines the impact of increased production costs on the supply curve and the subseque

Medium

Tax Implications on Supply Decisions in the Tobacco Industry

Consider a scenario where the government imposes an excise tax on tobacco products. This tax increas

Hard

Taxation and Supply Response

Evaluate the impact of an increase in production taxes on a market's equilibrium using supply and de

Hard

Understanding Market Disequilibrium: Surpluses and Shortages

This question explores market disequilibrium through the analysis of surpluses and shortages using p

Easy
Unit 2: Economic Indicators and the Business Cycle

AD-AS Framework: Deflation Analysis

Using the Aggregate Demand-Aggregate Supply framework, analyze the causes and effects of deflation a

Medium

Aggregate Income and National Income

National income can be calculated from both the aggregate income approach and the aggregate spending

Hard

Analysis of Business Cycles Using Leading Indicators

Examine the role of leading indicators in forecasting business cycles. Identify key indicators and a

Extreme

Business Cycle: Policy Responses to Recession

Economic recessions require timely policy responses to mitigate downturns. Answer the following: Pa

Extreme

Business Cycles Analysis

Describe the phases of the business cycle and analyze how these phases reflect changes in economic a

Easy

Business Cycles and Economic Policy

This question requires you to describe the phases of the business cycle, analyze economic data indic

Hard

Calculating Real GDP Growth and Economic Performance

Using the relationship $$\%\,\Delta\,\text{Real GDP} = \%\,\Delta\,\text{Nominal GDP} - \%\,\Delta\,

Easy

Circular Flow and GDP Analysis

Examine the circular flow model in a closed economy and the calculation of GDP using the expenditure

Medium

Circular Flow and GDP Calculation

Consider the circular flow model in a closed economy. Explain the roles of households and firms and

Medium

Circular Flow Model and Economic Interactions

An open economy includes additional sectors such as government and foreign markets. Analyze how thes

Hard

Circular Flow Model and GDP Calculation

This question focuses on the basic circular flow diagram and GDP calculation in a closed economy.

Easy

Circular Flow Model with Government

Examine the augmented circular flow model that includes the government sector. Analyze the effects o

Medium

Circular Flow Model with Government: Fiscal Policy Impact

Extend the circular flow model by incorporating the government sector. Analyze how taxation and gove

Hard

Circular Flow with the Government Sector

Macroeconomic models often expand the basic circular flow to include the government and foreign sect

Medium

Comparative Analysis of CPI and GDP Deflator

Compare the CPI and GDP deflator, compute the GDP deflator using provided data, and assess which mea

Extreme

Comparing Business Cycle Theories and Policies

Different theories exist to explain fluctuations in the business cycle. Answer the following questio

Hard

Comparing Nominal GDP and Real GDP

Consider the following scenario: In Year 1, a country has a nominal GDP of $1,000 billion and a pric

Easy

Differentiating Types of Unemployment

Examine different forms of unemployment and illustrate how they manifest in the economy.

Medium

Effects of Expected vs Unexpected Inflation

Differentiate between expected and unexpected inflation, and analyze how each type impacts various e

Easy

Effects of Inflation on Real Income

Kelsey earned a nominal income of $40,000 in 2014, when the CPI was 234.8. In 2015, her nominal inco

Easy

Evaluating Aggregate Income vs. Aggregate Spending

Critically analyze the relationship between aggregate income and aggregate spending in GDP measureme

Medium

Expanding the Circular Flow Model: The Role of Government and Foreign Sector

Extend the basic circular flow model to include the government and foreign sectors, and discuss the

Medium

Extended Circular Flow Model with Government and Foreign Trade

Expand upon the basic circular flow model to include the government and foreign sectors.

Hard

GDP and the Value-Added Approach

Examine the value-added approach to calculating GDP and its role in avoiding double counting.

Medium

GDP Calculation and Inflation Analysis

Consider an economy that produces two goods—computers and smartphones. Using the data provided in th

Medium

GDP Deflator and Price Level Analysis

Apply the GDP deflator in calculating real GDP and discuss its advantages over the CPI as a measure

Medium

GDP Deflator versus CPI Comparison

Explain the differences between the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the GDP Deflator in measuring inf

Easy

Impact of Inflation Expectations on Interest Rates

Assess the role of inflation expectations in determining nominal interest rates and discuss the impl

Medium

Inflation and Its Impact on Labor Markets

Discuss how inflation affects labor markets, particularly the adjustment of wages and employment lev

Medium

Labor Force Participation and Economic Analysis

Using provided data, calculate the labor force participation rate (LFPR) and analyze its significanc

Easy

Loanable Funds Market and Interest Rate Determination

Analyze the effects of increased government borrowing on the loanable funds market and the resulting

Hard

Loanable Funds Market and Saving Behaviors

Examine the effect of increased government borrowing on the loanable funds market. Answer the follow

Medium

Net Exports and Their Role in GDP

Evaluate the role of net exports in the GDP calculation and discuss how changes in net exports refle

Medium

Nominal and Real Interest Rates in an Inflationary Economy

Examine the relationship between the nominal interest rate, real interest rate, and expected inflati

Hard

Price Indices: Calculation and Limitations

Consider a market basket with the following items for the base year and current year: Base Year: Bre

Hard

Real Income and Purchasing Power

Explain the significance of real income in economic analysis. Calculate real income from given nomin

Medium

Real Income and Purchasing Power

Discuss the distinctions between nominal income and real income, and analyze how changes in the Cons

Easy

Real vs. Nominal GDP

Compare and contrast nominal GDP and real GDP. Calculate real GDP from given data and discuss the im

Medium

Shadow Economy and Its Impact on GDP Measurement

Transactions in the shadow (underground) economy are not included in traditional GDP measures. Analy

Extreme

Short-run vs. Long-run Effects on Unemployment

This question requires you to analyze unemployment within the labor market, using diagrams and a dis

Hard

The Impact of Consumer Spending on GDP

Analyze the effect of an increase in consumer spending on GDP and discuss multiplier effects.

Hard

The Value-Added Approach to GDP Calculation

Explain the value-added approach to calculating GDP. Use a multi-stage production process to demonst

Medium

Unemployment Measurement and Analysis

Accurately measuring unemployment is critical for understanding economic health. Use the data and co

Medium

Unemployment Type Analysis

Differentiate among types of unemployment and evaluate policy responses to structural changes in the

Medium

Value-Added Approach in the Circular Flow

Utilize the value-added approach to analyze how different stages of production contribute to GDP, an

Medium
Unit 3: National Income and Price Determination

AD-AS Adjustments: Recessionary vs. Inflationary Gaps

Define and compare recessionary and inflationary gaps in the AD-AS model. Analyze the economic conse

Hard

AD-AS Equilibrium and the Impact of Market Expectations

This question investigates how market expectations, particularly regarding inflation, can affect the

Medium

Aggregate Demand Components and Policy Instruments

Dissect the components of Aggregate Demand and assess how fiscal policy instruments can influence th

Hard

AS Shifts and Economic Equilibrium

Consider the following scenario regarding the aggregate supply side of the economy. (a) Draw and la

Medium

Automatic Stabilizers and Economic Fluctuations

This question assesses your understanding of automatic stabilizers and how these built-in fiscal mec

Medium

Automatic Stabilizers in Fiscal Policy

Automatic stabilizers play an important role in moderating economic fluctuations. (a) Define what i

Easy

Automatic Stabilizers: Their Role and Impact

Examine the concept of automatic stabilizers in fiscal policy. Discuss how they operate during econo

Easy

Calculating Real Interest Rates and Their Effect on Investment

Although not directly a part of the aggregate demand framework, real interest rates play a crucial r

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Fiscal and Monetary Policy Effects

Compare and contrast the impact of expansionary fiscal policy and expansionary monetary policy on Ag

Hard

Composite Analysis: Supply Shock, Fiscal Response, and Long-Run Adjustment

An unexpected oil crisis triggers a negative supply shock, shifting the SRAS curve leftward. To coun

Extreme

Contractionary Shock and AD-AS Diagram Analysis

An economy operating at full employment experiences a 10% decrease in consumption spending due to de

Medium

Deregulation and Its Impact on SRAS

Evaluate how deregulation in a specific industry affects short-run aggregate supply (SRAS). Analyze

Medium

Fiscal Expansion Strategies: Government Spending vs. Tax Cuts

A government aims to close a GDP gap of $30 billion through fiscal expansion. Given an MPC of 0.8, a

Extreme

Fiscal Multipliers in High-Savings Economies

An economy with a high savings rate exhibits a lower marginal propensity to consume. Analyze how thi

Extreme

Fiscal Policy Expansion versus Contraction

Discuss the differing impacts of expansionary versus contractionary fiscal policy on aggregate deman

Medium

Fiscal Policy: Contractionary Measures to Control Inflation

This question addresses how contractionary fiscal policies are used to cool down an economy experien

Medium

Fiscal Stimulus and Spending Multipliers

Examine how a change in government spending affects aggregate output through the multiplier effect.

Hard

Foreign Sector and AD Shifts

This question investigates how international factors influence aggregate demand. (a) Explain the fo

Hard

Foreign Sector Effects on Aggregate Demand

Analyze how changes in the foreign sector, such as a depreciating domestic currency, affect aggregat

Medium

FRQ 3: Spending and Tax Multipliers

This question tests your understanding of the multiplier effect in fiscal policy. Part A: Given tha

Medium

FRQ 4: Supply Shocks and Short-Run Aggregate Supply (SRAS)

This question focuses on the effects of supply shocks on the short-run aggregate supply curve. Part

Hard

FRQ 6: Long-Run Aggregate Supply and Economic Growth

This question focuses on the long-run aggregate supply (LRAS) and the determinants of economic growt

Medium

FRQ 9: Multiple Effects on Aggregate Demand: Foreign, Interest Rate, and Wealth Effects

Market dynamics can be influenced by various effects when the aggregate price level changes. Part A

Extreme

FRQ 10: Globalization and the Foreign Sector Substitution Effect

Analyze how globalization and the foreign sector substitution effect can influence domestic aggregat

Hard

FRQ 15: Determinants of Short-Run Aggregate Supply (SRAS)

Factors such as input prices and government regulations can shift the short-run aggregate supply cur

Medium

FRQ 15: Determining Equilibrium Real GDP in an AD-AS Model

Using a given scenario, determine the equilibrium real GDP, price level, and discuss any deviations

Medium

FRQ 17: Timeliness and Challenges in Discretionary Fiscal Policy

Discretionary fiscal policy is often used to stabilize the economy, but it faces criticisms due to t

Hard

FRQ 18: Policy Interventions during Inflation: A Fiscal Perspective

Discuss the fiscal policy interventions that can be used to address an inflationary gap, including p

Hard

Government Spending and the Fiscal Multiplier Effect

The government increases its spending by $30 billion in an effort to stimulate the economy. Assume a

Medium

Government Spending vs. Tax Cuts: Comparative Analysis

The impact of fiscal policy can vary depending on whether the government chooses to increase spendin

Hard

Impact of Inflation on Various Economic Agents

In this problem, you will analyze a scenario with rising inflation and its effects on different part

Hard

Input Price Shocks and the SRAS Curve

Analyze the impact of an unexpected increase in economy-wide input prices on the short-run aggregate

Hard

Interrelationship Between Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy Outcomes

Explore the interactions between fiscal and monetary policies and their combined effects on the AD-A

Medium

Mixing Fiscal Policies: Tax Cuts and Increased Spending

An economy faces an output gap of $60 billion. The government is considering a mix of tax cuts and i

Medium

Policy Mix in Recession with Supply Shock

In an economy experiencing both a recessionary gap and a negative supply shock, critically evaluate

Extreme

Shifts in Short-Run Aggregate Supply Due to Input Price Changes

This question focuses on understanding how changes in input prices impact the short-run aggregate su

Medium

Short-Run Aggregate Supply (SRAS) Shocks

Examine how negative supply shocks affect the short-run aggregate supply curve and the overall econo

Medium

Short-Run Aggregate Supply Shocks and Economic Outcomes

This question assesses your understanding of how fluctuations in input prices affect Short-Run Aggre

Medium

Spending and Tax Multipliers in Stimulating GDP

This question examines the application of spending and tax multipliers to predict changes in GDP fol

Hard

Spending and Tax Multipliers: Calculations and Analysis

This question tests your ability to calculate and interpret the spending multiplier and tax multipli

Medium

Supply Shocks and Short-Run Aggregate Supply

This question explores the impact of supply shocks on the short-run aggregate supply (SRAS). (a) De

Medium

Supply Shocks and Short-Run Aggregate Supply

Analyze the role of supply shocks in shifting the short-run aggregate supply (SRAS) and their effect

Medium

Supply-Side Policies and Their Impact on Aggregate Supply

Evaluate how supply-side policies such as deregulation and tax incentives affect the short-run aggre

Medium

Tax Cuts and GDP: Multipliers in Action

A government implements a tax cut of $40 billion in an economy where the marginal propensity to cons

Medium

The Impact of Transfer Payments on Aggregate Demand

This question explores how transfer payments, as automatic stabilizers, impact aggregate demand in t

Easy
Unit 4: Financial Sector

Analyzing Financial Assets and Expected Returns

Consider a firm evaluating investment options where it can invest in a physical asset or engage in f

Medium

Analyzing Liquidity of Financial Assets

Consider the following table which lists various financial assets along with their liquidity scores,

Easy

Analyzing the Aggregate Demand Effect of Monetary Policy

Expansionary monetary policy can significantly shift the aggregate demand (AD) curve. Using the scen

Extreme

Bank Balance Sheet and Fractional Reserve Banking

Analyze a bank's balance sheet using a T-account and explain the effect of fractional reserve bankin

Hard

Bond Prices and Interest Rate Movements

This question examines the inverse relationship between bond prices and interest rates.

Medium

Calculating the Money Multiplier: Impact of Excess Reserves

The money multiplier is a key concept in understanding the effects of fractional reserve banking. An

Medium

Comparing Equity vs Debt Financing: Stocks vs Bonds

This question explores the differences between equity financing (stocks) and debt financing (bonds).

Easy

Discount Rate and Reserve Requirement Adjustments

Changes in the discount rate and reserve requirements can significantly affect bank lending and the

Hard

Effective Money Multiplier under Varying Conditions

The theoretical money multiplier can be affected by factors such as excess reserves and currency hol

Extreme

Evaluating Financial Assets: Stocks vs Bonds

A firm is considering raising funds via issuing stocks (equity financing) or bonds (debt financing).

Easy

Evaluating the Measures of Money Supply: M1 vs. M2

M1 and M2 are two key measures of the money supply. Answer the following questions based on the defi

Easy

Financial Market Dynamics: Risk, Return and Investor Behavior

This question examines how investor behavior regarding risk and return influences financial market d

Hard

Fractional Reserve Banking and T-Account Analysis

This question examines the process of money creation in a fractional reserve banking system using T-

Hard

Fractional Reserve Banking and the Money Multiplier

This question examines the workings of fractional reserve banking and the concept of the money multi

Medium

FRQ 2: Comparing Equity and Debt Financing

Discuss the differences between equity financing and debt financing, and analyze how firms decide be

Medium

FRQ 4: Real vs Nominal Interest Rates Calculation

Utilize given scenarios to compute real interest rates and analyze their implications for economic a

Easy

FRQ 5: Functions of Money and Their Impact

Examine the functions of money and discuss its significance in modern economies.

Easy

FRQ 11: Loanable Funds Market - Demand Shifters

Examine the determinants of the demand for loanable funds and illustrate their effects on the market

Medium

FRQ 19: Monetary Policy and Aggregate Demand

Examine the transmission mechanism of expansionary monetary policy from the Fed’s actions to shifts

Extreme

Inflationary Expectations and Financial Asset Valuation

This question analyzes how inflationary expectations affect the valuation of financial assets and th

Easy

Integration of Monetary Policy and the Loanable Funds Market: A Multi-Step Analysis

Consider a scenario where the Federal Reserve implements an expansionary monetary policy. Answer the

Extreme

Liquidity and Investment Decisions

Consider an investor evaluating various financial assets. The investor bases their decision on liqui

Medium

Liquidity Preferences and Money Demand

This question examines the different components of money demand and how liquidity preferences affect

Medium

Loanable Funds Market: Effect of Deficit Spending and Foreign Investment

The loanable funds market is affected by various factors such as government deficit spending and for

Hard

Loanable Funds Market: Impact of Government Deficits

Government fiscal policies, especially deficit spending, can influence the loanable funds market. Co

Hard

Monetary Multiplier and Money Creation

This question assesses your understanding of fractional reserve banking and the money multiplier eff

Medium

Monetary Policy and the Federal Funds Rate

The Federal Funds Rate is a crucial component in the execution of monetary policy. Consider the foll

Hard

Monetary Policy Challenges in a Liquidity Trap

Critically assess the effectiveness of monetary policy when the economy is in a liquidity trap. Answ

Extreme

Monetary Policy Effects on Aggregate Demand: An AD-AS Analysis

Expansionary monetary policy can shift aggregate demand and affect overall economic output. Evaluate

Medium

Monetary Policy Tools: Reserve Ratio Adjustments

This question explores the impact of changes in the required reserve ratio on the money supply. Answ

Hard

Money Demand in Relation to GDP

This question explores how changes in nominal GDP affect the transaction demand for money.

Easy

Money Market Equilibrium and Monetary Policy Impacts

Monetary policy operations affect the money market significantly. Use the following scenario to anal

Hard

Nominal vs. Real Interest Rates in Investment Decisions

Examine the impact of nominal and real interest rates on economic decision–making. Answer the follow

Medium

Open Market Operations and Their Impact

Discuss the role of open market operations (OMOs) in monetary policy and analyze their effects on th

Medium

Risk, Return, and Bond Prices

This question focuses on how risk affects the rate of return and bond pricing in financial markets.

Medium

The Federal Funds Rate and Its Transmission

Analyze the role of the federal funds rate in the financial market and illustrate how changes to the

Hard

The Impact of the Required Reserve Ratio on Money Creation

This question investigates how variations in the required reserve ratio influence the money multipli

Medium

Understanding the Monetary Base and Money Supply

Differentiate between the monetary base and the broader money supply, and apply the money multiplier

Easy
Unit 5: Long-Run Consequences of Stabilization Policies

Adjustment to a Recessionary Gap and Long-Run Equilibration

This question examines the classical adjustment mechanism from a recessionary gap back to full emplo

Medium

Aggregate Demand Shifts Across Different Regions of the SRAS Curve

Some economists argue that the effects of aggregate demand (AD) shifts depend on which region of the

Medium

Analysis of the Phillips Curve in a Recessionary Environment

An economy is in a recession with rising unemployment and falling inflation. Data indicates a moveme

Easy

Budget Deficits, National Debt, and Crowding Out

This question examines the impacts of fiscal deficits and national debt on the economy, particularly

Hard

Comparing Demand-Pull vs. Cost-Push Inflation

Inflation can arise from different sources. Demand-pull inflation occurs when an increase in aggrega

Hard

Coordinated Fiscal and Monetary Policies for Full Employment

Achieving full employment often requires a coordinated effort between fiscal and monetary policies.

Hard

Deflation Effects in a Recessionary Environment

Discuss the impact of deflation in the context of a recession. Analyze its effects on real GDP, unem

Easy

Excessive Expansionary Fiscal Policy: Multiplier Effects and Crowding Out

Analyze the short-run and long-run consequences of an excessively expansionary fiscal policy, includ

Extreme

Fiscal Policy Impacts in Different Economic Phases

Compare the effects of expansionary fiscal policy when an economy is in a recessionary gap versus wh

Hard

Fiscal Stimulus and the Multiplier Effect

Fiscal stimulus is often used to counteract a recessionary gap. In this question, you will analyze t

Easy

FRQ 2: Fiscal Policy and Crowding Out

Examine the role of expansionary fiscal policy in a recession and its potential to crowd out private

Medium

FRQ 5: Monetary Neutrality and the Quantity Theory of Money

Discuss the concept of monetary neutrality using the quantity theory of money. Answer the following

Medium

FRQ 5: Money Growth and Inflation – The Quantity Theory of Money

Using the quantity theory of money, analyze how changes in the money supply affect the price level.

Medium

FRQ 7: Public Debt, Budget Deficits, and Crowding Out

Discuss the implications of budget deficits and public debt on the economy, focusing on the mechanis

Medium

FRQ 10: Monetary Policy Effects on the Money Market

Analyze how expansionary monetary policy impacts the money market and, subsequently, the broader eco

Medium

FRQ 11: Investment Tax Credits and Their Impact on AS and AD

Analyze the role of investment tax credits as a supply-side policy tool and their impact on aggregat

Medium

FRQ 16: Government Budget Constraints and Recession Trade-offs

Examine the trade-offs involved when a government attempts to balance its budget during a recession.

Medium

FRQ 18: Human Capital Investment and Long-Run Economic Growth

Discuss the role of human capital investment in promoting long-run economic growth and its effect on

Easy

Impact of Contractionary Monetary Policy on AD and Inflation

In an economy experiencing rising inflation, the central bank decides to contract the money supply.

Medium

Impact of Human Capital Investment on Productivity and Growth

Discuss how investments in education and training can lead to improvements in workforce productivity

Easy

Inflation Expectations and Policy Effectiveness

Inflation expectations play a critical role in determining the actual inflation rate and the effecti

Hard

Inflationary Gap and Self-Correction Mechanism

In an economy initially at full employment, a surge in government spending shifts the AD curve right

Medium

Inflationary Gap Correction and Price Level Adjustment

An economy is operating above its full-employment level, resulting in an inflationary gap. In this q

Hard

Monetary Neutrality and Its Short-Run Effects

Assess the concept of monetary neutrality and analyze circumstances in the short run when a change i

Medium

Monetary Neutrality and Long-Run Supply Response

Economic theory posits that changes in the money supply do not affect real output in the long run (m

Medium

Monetary Neutrality and Real GDP

Monetary neutrality suggests that changes in the money supply affect nominal variables but not real

Hard

Monetary Policy and the Money Market

Describe how an increase in the money supply influences the money market and, in turn, affects broad

Easy

Monetary Policy Effects on the Money Market and Investment

In an effort to stimulate economic activity, the central bank implements an expansionary monetary po

Hard

Phillips Curve Analysis with Shifting Inflation Expectations

Analyze the relationship between unemployment and inflation using the Phillips curve, considering ch

Hard

Phillips Curve and the Trade-Off Between Inflation and Unemployment

Examine the relationship between inflation and unemployment as illustrated by the Phillips curve. Yo

Medium

Productivity Enhancements and Long-Run Economic Growth

Analyze how improvements in productivity drive long-run economic growth. Consider the roles of physi

Medium

Public Debt, Interest Rates, and Private Investment: Exploring Crowding Out

High levels of public debt can have various impacts on the economy. Answer the following: (a) Descr

Hard

Recession and Deflation: A Detailed Analysis

A significant decline in aggregate demand can lead to both a recession and deflation. Analyze such a

Hard

Recessionary Gap: Fiscal and Monetary Policy Interaction

This question analyzes the effects of a recessionary gap resulting from a leftward shift in the aggr

Medium

Short-Run Policy Effects on Long-Run Inflation and Output

Stabilization policies often have different effects in the short run versus the long run. In this qu

Extreme

Supply-Side Policies and Long-run Aggregate Supply Shifts

Supply-side policies aim to improve the productive capacity of the economy. Answer the following: (

Medium

Wage-Price Spiral and Its Impact on the Economy

The wage-price spiral can lead to a self-reinforcing cycle of rising wages and prices. Analyze the p

Hard
Unit 6: Open Economy—International Trade and Finance

Analyzing Short-Run Forex Market Adjustments

Examine a situation in which speculators cause shifts in the forex market. Use the provided graph to

Hard

Capital Flows and Interest Rate Differentials

Investigate how differences in real interest rates affect international capital flows and exchange r

Hard

Comparative Fiscal Policy Impacts on Exchange Rates

Evaluate how differences in fiscal policy between regions can impact exchange rates. Your answer sho

Extreme

Comparing Quotas and Tariffs in Domestic Markets

Evaluate the impact of import quotas versus protective tariffs on domestic markets.

Medium

Currency Appreciation and Depreciation: Causes and Consequences

This FRQ requires you to analyze the factors that determine whether a currency appreciates or deprec

Medium

Domestic Interest Rates and Currency Supply

Analyze the relationship between domestic interest rates and the supply of the domestic currency in

Medium

Economic Effects of Import Quotas

Using the context of an import quota on automobiles, answer the following parts regarding its impact

Hard

Exchange Rate Determination and Appreciation

Exchange rates are influenced by multiple determinants. Explain these determinants and analyze how c

Medium

Exchange Rate Determination in Currency Markets

Examine the fundamentals of exchange rate determination in international markets. Answer the parts t

Easy

Floating Exchange Rates and Domestic Economic Policy

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a floating exchange rate system with respect to domestic

Medium

Foreign Exchange Market Equilibrium

The following graph represents the foreign exchange market for U.S. dollars, with Quantity of dollar

Medium

Foreign Exchange Market Equilibrium Analysis

Consider the foreign exchange market where the U.S. dollar is traded for euros. Using supply and dem

Medium

Foreign Exchange Market Equilibrium Analysis

In this FRQ, you will analyze the conditions for equilibrium in the foreign exchange market by using

Medium

Foreign Exchange Market Shifts: A Multi-step Analysis

A recent increase in foreign consumer tastes for U.S. exports, coupled with rising incomes abroad, h

Hard

Foreign Exchange Market Shocks and Policy Interventions

Analyze how a sudden shock in the foreign exchange market, such as a geopolitical crisis, affects th

Extreme

Foreign Tastes and Exchange Rate Movements

Changes in foreign consumer preferences can influence a country’s exchange rate. Analyze how a shift

Medium

FRQ 6: Quota Effects on Domestic Consumption and the Trade Balance

This question examines the effects of an import quota on domestic markets and the foreign exchange m

Hard

FRQ 7: Analysis of Inbound and Outbound Capital Flows

Capital flows are a key component of the international financial system. In this question, you will

Easy

FRQ 11: Central Bank Intervention in the Foreign Exchange Market

During times of economic crisis, central banks may intervene in the foreign exchange market to stabi

Extreme

FRQ 11: Speculative Behavior in the Foreign Exchange Market

Speculation can play a significant role in the foreign exchange market, often amplifying movements i

Hard

FRQ 15: Monetary Contraction – Effects on International Trade and Production

Contractionary monetary policy, which reduces the money supply, can have far-reaching effects on bot

Hard

FRQ 16: Measuring the Deadweight Loss of a Trade Tariff

Trade barriers such as tariffs create inefficiencies in the economy in the form of deadweight loss.

Extreme

FRQ 18: Supply and Demand Shifts in the Foreign Exchange Market

This question focuses on the simultaneous shifts in the supply and demand for a currency in the FX m

Medium

Global Oil Price Shock: Impact on Balance of Payments

A sudden global increase in oil prices has dramatically raised the import bills of an oil-importing

Hard

Impact of Protective Tariffs on Domestic Markets

Evaluate the economic impact of imposing a protective tariff. Your answer should address the followi

Medium

Official Reserves and Balance Adjustment

In this FRQ, analyze how central bank actions via the official reserves account help maintain the ov

Medium

Official Reserves and Balance of Payments Adjustment

Using the following table, determine the necessary official reserves adjustment and explain its role

Medium

Official Reserves and Balance of Payments Adjustments

The nation’s balance of payments must balance to zero. This is achieved in part by the official rese

Medium

Policy Evaluation: Tariffs, Quotas, and Trade Wars

Compare two different trade barrier tools—tariffs and quotas—and analyze their potential to trigger

Extreme

Real Interest Rates and Investment Flow Dynamics

Consider the functional relationship given by the equation: $$Investment\,Flow = 50 * (Real\,Interes

Medium

Speculation and Currency Markets

Speculation plays an important role in the foreign exchange market by affecting short-term exchange

Hard

Speculation Effects on Currency Valuation

Discuss the role of speculation in the foreign exchange market and how it can lead to rapid changes

Extreme

Tariff Impacts on Domestic Markets

A protective tariff is imposed on imported steel. The following graph displays the domestic supply a

Hard

Tariff vs. Quota: Economic Outcomes

Compare the economic effects of implementing a tariff versus an import quota. Address the following

Medium

The Role of Official Reserves in Balancing the BOP

Examine how official reserves are used by the central bank to balance the payments in the balance of

Medium

Trade Policies and Aggregate Demand

Examine how trade policies such as tariffs affect aggregate demand. Provide a detailed response addr

Hard

Understanding Balance of Payments Components

Explain the three primary components of the balance of payments (current account, capital account, a

Easy

Trusted by millions

Everyone is relying on Knowt, and we never let them down.

3M +Student & teacher users
5M +Study notes created
10M + Flashcards sets created
Victoria Buendia-Serrano
Victoria Buendia-SerranoCollege freshman
Knowt’s quiz and spaced repetition features have been a lifesaver. I’m going to Columbia now and studying with Knowt helped me get there!
Val
ValCollege sophomore
Knowt has been a lifesaver! The learn features in flashcards let me find time and make studying a little more digestible.
Sam Loos
Sam Loos12th grade
I used Knowt to study for my APUSH midterm and it saved my butt! The import from Quizlet feature helped a ton too. Slayed that test with an A!! 😻😻😻

Need to review before working on AP Macroeconomics FRQs?

We have over 5 million resources across various exams, and subjects to refer to at any point.

Tips from Former AP Students

FAQ

We thought you might have some questions...

Where can I find practice free response questions for the AP Macroeconomics exam?
The free response section of each AP exam varies slightly, so you’ll definitely want to practice that before stepping into that exam room. Here are some free places to find practice FRQs :
  • Of course, make sure to run through College Board's past FRQ questions!
  • Once you’re done with those go through all the questions in the AP MacroeconomicsFree Response Room. You can answer the question and have it grade you against the rubric so you know exactly where to improve.
  • Reddit it also a great place to find AP free response questions that other students may have access to.
How do I practice for AP AP Macroeconomics Exam FRQs?
Once you’re done reviewing your study guides, find and bookmark all the free response questions you can find. The question above has some good places to look! while you’re going through them, simulate exam conditions by setting a timer that matches the time allowed on the actual exam. Time management is going to help you answer the FRQs on the real exam concisely when you’re in that time crunch.
What are some tips for AP Macroeconomics free response questions?
Before you start writing out your response, take a few minutes to outline the key points you want to make sure to touch on. This may seem like a waste of time, but it’s very helpful in making sure your response effectively addresses all the parts of the question. Once you do your practice free response questions, compare them to scoring guidelines and sample responses to identify areas for improvement. When you do the free response practice on the AP Macroeconomics Free Response Room, there’s an option to let it grade your response against the rubric and tell you exactly what you need to study more.
How do I answer AP Macroeconomics free-response questions?
Answering AP Macroeconomics free response questions the right way is all about practice! As you go through the AP AP Macroeconomics Free Response Room, treat it like a real exam and approach it this way so you stay calm during the actual exam. When you first see the question, take some time to process exactly what it’s asking. Make sure to also read through all the sub-parts in the question and re-read the main prompt, making sure to circle and underline any key information. This will help you allocate your time properly and also make sure you are hitting all the parts of the question. Before you answer each question, note down the key points you want to hit and evidence you want to use (where applicable). Once you have the skeleton of your response, writing it out will be quick, plus you won’t make any silly mistake in a rush and forget something important.