Answer:
The structural budget in 2008 is $350 billion
Explanation:
Actual deficit = Government spending - Tax Revenue Collection
i.e Actual deficit = G-T
T = (Tax rate) (Actual output)
$500 billion = G - (0.15)($16 trillion)
$500 billion = G - 2400 billion
G = $500 billion + 2400 billion
G = $2900 billion
Thus, Government spending is $2900 billion
Structural deficit = G - T'
T' = (Tax rate)(Potential output)
T' = (0.15)(17000 billion)
T' = $2550 billion
Structural deficit = G - T'
Structural deficit = $2900 billion - $2550 billion
Structural deficit = $350 billion
Thus, the structural budget in 2008 is $350 billion