A Primer on BEA's Government Accounts

摘要

GOVERNMENT activity - at the federal, state, and local levels - affects the economy in many ways. Governments contribute to economic output when they purchase goods and services and when they invest in capital. They also contribute by making payments to households and businesses, who use those resources to buy goods and services. Governments also affect the economy through taxes, withdrawing resources that might be used elsewhere and providing incentives for various activities. In addition, governments affect the economy through their collective saving, the difference between their revenue and spending.