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Full Microeconomics For Life Smart Choices For You Canadian 2Nd Edition Cohen Test Bank Online PDF All Chapter
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Microeconomics for Life: Smart Choices for You, 2e (Cohen)
Chapter 6 What Gives When Prices Don't? Government Policy Choices
1) When prices are fixed above market-clearing levels, all of the following happen except
A) frustrated sellers.
B) shortages.
C) surpluses.
D) quantity adjustments.
E) undesired increases in inventories.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
2) When prices are fixed above the equilibrium price, all of the following happen except
A) frustrated sellers.
B) shortages.
C) surpluses.
D) quantity adjustments.
E) undesired increases in inventories.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
3) When prices are fixed below market-clearing levels, all of the following happen except
A) surpluses.
B) shortages.
C) frustrated buyers.
D) quantity adjustments.
E) undesired decreases in inventories.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
1
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
4) When prices are fixed below the equilibrium price, all of the following happen except
A) surpluses.
B) shortages.
C) frustrated buyers.
D) quantity adjustments.
E) undesired decreases in inventories.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
3
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
11) When governments fix prices below market-clearing levels,
A) there is a decrease in demand.
B) quantity supplied is greater than quantity demanded.
C) quantity supplied equals quantity demanded.
D) there is an increase in supply.
E) quantity demanded is greater than quantity supplied.
Answer: E
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
5
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
18) A price ceiling set above the equilibrium price results in
A) surpluses.
B) shortages.
C) the equilibrium price.
D) an increase in supply.
E) a decrease in demand.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
6
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
21) When governments set a price in a market that is not an equilibrium price, the quantity
actually sold at that price
A) is determined by the quantity demanded.
B) is determined by the quantity supplied.
C) is determined by whichever is less, quantity demanded or quantity supplied.
D) is determined by whichever is more, quantity demanded or quantity supplied.
E) cannot be determined without knowing if there is a shortage or surplus.
Answer: C
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
22) Fixing prices prevents the flow of information and incentives that make markets effective at
producing what we want.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
23) When prices are fixed above market-clearing levels, quantities adjust and shortages develop.
Consumers are frustrated.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
24) When prices are fixed below market-clearing levels, quantities adjust and shortages develop.
Consumers are frustrated.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
25) When prices are fixed above market-clearing levels, quantities adjust and surpluses develop.
Businesses are frustrated.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
7
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
26) When prices are fixed below market-clearing levels, quantities adjust and surpluses develop.
Businesses are frustrated.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
27) Governments have the power to fix prices, but they can't force businesses to produce if that
price is not profitable.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
28) Governments have the power to force consumers to buy at fixed prices.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
29) When governments fix prices above market-clearing levels, consumers are forced to buy
more at the higher price.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
30) When prices are fixed below market-clearing levels, buyers may bribe sellers to get scarce
products.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
31) When prices are fixed below market-clearing levels, sellers may bribe buyers to ensure the
sellers are not left out.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
8
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
32) When prices are fixed in a market, quantities adjust to whichever is less - quantity supplied
or quantity demanded.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
33) When prices are fixed in a market, quantities adjust to whichever is more - quantity supplied
or quantity demanded.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
37) Many young adults remain at home or "double up" with friends in apartments. Doubling up
is a quantity adjustment by renters in the rental housing market.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
9
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
38) When governments fix prices above the market-clearing price, the smart choices of
consumers and businesses are not coordinated.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
39) When governments fix prices below the market-clearing price, the smart choices of
consumers and businesses are not coordinated.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
40) When governments fix prices above the market-clearing price, the smart choices of
consumers and businesses are coordinated.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
41) When governments fix prices below the market-clearing price, the smart choices of
consumers and businesses are coordinated.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 140-143
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.1 Explain how government-fixed prices cause quantities to adjust and market
coordination to fail.
10
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
6.2 Do Rent Controls Help the Homeless? Price Ceilings
1) Most city governments set a maximum price that can be charged by taxis. This is an example
of
A) a cost-saving technology.
B) key money.
C) a price floor.
D) a price ceiling.
E) an inferior service.
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
2) When a city government sets a maximum price for taxi fares that is below the market-clearing
price, we see
A) long waits for taxis.
B) a decrease in demand.
C) frustrated taxi drivers who can't find riders.
D) an excess supply of taxis.
E) an increase in supply.
Answer: A
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
3) When a city government sets a minimum price for taxi fares that is above the market-clearing
price, we see
A) an increase in supply.
B) frustrated riders who can't find a taxi.
C) a shortage of taxis.
D) a decrease in demand.
E) an excess supply of taxis.
Answer: E
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
11
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
4) Rent controls
A) keep rental prices below the market-clearing price.
B) keep rental prices equal to the market-clearing price.
C) keep rental prices above the market-clearing price.
D) eventually increase the quality of rental units in the market.
E) eventually increase the quantity of rental units in the market.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
9) The shortages and lineups created by setting a price ceiling for gasoline will be worst when
the demand for gasoline by drivers is ________ and the supply of gasoline by the oil companies
is ________.
A) inelastic; inelastic
B) elastic; elastic
C) inelastic; elastic
D) elastic; inelastic
E) zero; infinity
Answer: B
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
10) Setting a maximum price for gasoline below the market-clearing price
A) benefits oil companies.
B) has no impact.
C) creates long lineups at the pumps.
D) creates a surplus of gasoline.
E) is a better idea than subsidizing low-income drivers.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
13
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
11) Setting a price ceiling for gasoline benefits
A) drivers who can't find gasoline.
B) all drivers.
C) oil companies.
D) people who do not drive.
E) drivers who can find gasoline without lineups.
Answer: E
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
12) A price ceiling for gasoline set below the market-clearing price results in a(n)
A) excess demand.
B) higher price.
C) decrease in demand.
D) increase in supply.
E) excess supply.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
13) A price ceiling for gasoline set above the market-clearing price
A) causes excess supply.
B) causes a decrease in supply.
C) causes a decrease in demand.
D) has no impact.
E) causes excess demand.
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
14
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
14) Eliminating rent controls should lead landlords to create additional rental housing. This
increase in rental units is largest when
A) demand is elastic.
B) supply is inelastic.
C) demand is inelastic.
D) supply is elastic.
E) there is a lack of available land in the area.
Answer: D
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
16) The shortages created by rent controls is largest when demand by tenants is ________ and
supply by landlords is ________.
A) inelastic; inelastic
B) elastic; inelastic
C) inelastic; elastic
D) elastic; elastic
E) unknown; elastic
Answer: D
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
15
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
17) Government housing subsidies are a better policy alternative to rent controls because
A) people who live at home will be better off.
B) these subsidies provide income for governments.
C) government housing subsidies will be less expensive.
D) market-clearing prices will coordinate the choices of landlords and renters.
E) rents will stay above market-clearing levels.
Answer: D
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
20) If the government sets a maximum rent for apartments above the equilibrium rent,
A) there is no effect in the market for apartments.
B) there will be a shortage of apartments.
C) there will be a surplus of apartments.
D) the demand for apartments will increase.
E) the supply of apartments will decrease.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
16
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
21) Which is not an outcome of a rent ceiling?
A) a black market for rent-controlled housing
B) long waiting lists for rent-controlled housing
C) a shortage of housing
D) a black market rent below the rent ceiling
E) increased search time for rent-controlled housing
Answer: D
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
22) If the government sets a rent ceiling above the equilibrium rent,
A) the supply of rental housing increases.
B) there is a shortage of rental housing.
C) there is a surplus of rental housing.
D) the equilibrium rent does not change.
E) the equilibrium rent rises.
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
23) In an unregulated housing market with no rent ceiling, rents are determined by the
A) landlords only.
B) tenants only.
C) government only.
D) market.
E) landlords and governments.
Answer: D
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
17
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
Figure 6.2.1
24) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.1. If a price ceiling on rents is set at $2,000,
then
A) 100 apartments are rented at $2,000 each.
B) 100 apartments are rented at $1,500 each.
C) 150 apartments are rented at $1,500 each.
D) 200 apartments are rented at $1,000 each.
E) 200 apartments are rented at $2,000 each.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
25) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.1. If a price ceiling on rents is set at $1,000,
then
A) 100 apartments are rented at $2,000 each.
B) 100 apartments are rented at $1,500 each.
C) 150 apartments are rented at $1,500 each.
D) 200 apartments are rented at $1,000 each.
E) 100 apartments are rented at $1,000 each.
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
18
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
26) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.2. The market-clearing outcome, without
rent controls, is a rent of ________ and a quantity of ________.
A) $1,000; 4
B) $1,000; 9
C) $1,500; 4
D) $1,500; 6
E) $1,500; 9
Answer: D
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
19
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
27) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.2. The consumer surplus of the market-
clearing outcome is area
A) ACL.
B) ABN.
C) AEL.
D) CEL.
E) NKL.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
28) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.2. The producer surplus of the market-
clearing outcome is area
A) ACL.
B) DEK.
C) AEL.
D) CEL.
E) NKL.
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
29) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.2. The total surplus of the market-clearing
outcome is area
A) ACL.
B) DEK.
C) AEL.
D) CEL.
E) NKL.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
20
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
30) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.2. If the government sets a rent ceiling of
$1,000, the rent-controlled outcome is a rent of ________ and a quantity of ________.
A) $1,000; 4
B) $1,000; 9
C) $1,500; 4
D) $1,500; 6
E) $1,500; 9
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
31) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.2. If the government sets a rent ceiling of
$1,000, the consumer surplus of the rent-controlled outcome is area
A) ACL.
B) ABN.
C) AEL.
D) CEL.
E) NKL.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
32) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.2. If the government sets a rent ceiling of
$1,000, the producer surplus of the rent-controlled outcome is area
A) DEK.
B) ABN.
C) AEL.
D) CEL.
E) NKL.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
21
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
33) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.2. If the government sets a rent ceiling of
$1,000, the deadweight loss of the rent-controlled outcome is area
A) DEK.
B) ABN.
C) AEL.
D) CEL.
E) NKL.
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
34) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.2. If the government sets a rent ceiling of
$1,000, the difference between quantity demanded and quantity supplied is a
A) surplus of KJ apartments.
B) shortage of KJ apartments.
C) surplus of FG apartments.
D) shortage of FG apartments.
E) shortage of GH apartments.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
35) Look at the market for apartments in Figure 6.2.2. The government sets a rent ceiling of
$1,000. What is the unintended loss of apartments compared to the market-clearing outcome?
A) KJ apartments
B) EF apartments
C) FG apartments
D) EG apartments
E) GH apartments
Answer: C
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
36) Rent controls, which set a maximum rent, are a price ceiling.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
22
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
37) Rent controls, which set a maximum rent, are a price floor.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
38) Rent controls set a minimum rent that landlords can charge.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
39) Rent controls re-distribute income from the poorer to the richer.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
40) Rent controls subsidize well-off tenants who are willing and able to pay market-clearing
rents.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
23
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
43) Rent controls create surpluses of affordable housing.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
46) An unintended consequence of rent controls is landlords spend less on maintaining their
apartment buildings.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
47) With controlled rents, landlords may earn more money by turning their condominiums into
rental apartments.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
48) With controlled rents, landlords may earn more money by turning their rental apartments into
condominiums.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
24
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
49) The practice of charging "key money" is a way of allocating scarce rental apartments to those
willing and able to pay the highest price.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
50) Government housing subsidies are a superior policy to rent controls because markets can
continue to flexibly coordinate the smart choices of consumers and businesses.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
51) If governments introduce a minimum rent above the market-clearing level, so that no
landlord can charge a lower price, there is a shortage of rental housing.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
52) If governments introduce a minimum rent above the market-clearing level, so that no
landlord can charge a lower price, there is a surplus of rental housing.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
53) Rent controls, which allow landlords to pick and choose their tenants, make it easier for
students to find good apartments.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
54) Rent controls, which allow landlords to pick and choose their tenants, make it harder for
students to find good apartments.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
25
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
55) Rent controls give landlords the upper hand in dealing with tenants.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
56) Rent controls give tenants the upper hand in dealing with landlords.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 144-147
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.2 Describe price ceilings and explain the unintended consequences of government
rent-control policies.
26
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
3) Minimum wages were introduced in the 20th century to help
A) the least vulnerable members of society.
B) unskilled and over-educated workers.
C) the most valuable members of society.
D) unskilled and uneducated workers.
E) skilled and educated workers.
Answer: D
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
9) A new minimum wage law best helps the working poor when
A) demand for unskilled labour is inelastic.
B) gains from workers who remain employed are greater than the lost income of workers who
lose their jobs.
C) businesses have few substitutes for unskilled labour.
D) all of the above are true.
E) none of the above are true.
Answer: D
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
28
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
10) A new minimum wage law best helps the working poor when
A) demand for unskilled labour is elastic.
B) gains from workers who remain employed are greater than the lost income of workers who
lose their jobs.
C) businesses have many substitutes for unskilled labour.
D) all of the above are true.
E) none of the above are true.
Answer: B
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
11) A new minimum wage law most hurts the working poor when
A) demand for unskilled labour is inelastic.
B) gains from workers who remain employed are greater than the lost income of workers who
lose their jobs.
C) businesses have many substitutes for unskilled labour.
D) all of the above are true.
E) none of the above are true.
Answer: C
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
12) A new minimum wage law most hurts the working poor when
A) demand for unskilled labour is elastic.
B) gains from workers who remain employed are greater than the lost income of workers who
lose their jobs.
C) businesses have few substitutes for unskilled labour.
D) all of the above are true.
E) none of the above are true.
Answer: A
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
29
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
13) Minimum wage laws are inefficient because the minimum wage does not reflect the
A) differences between men and women.
B) opportunity cost of employers.
C) marginal benefit of working.
D) marginal benefit of being an employer.
E) opportunity cost of workers.
Answer: E
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
14) When government sets the hourly minimum wage at $8, 4,000 workers are unemployed.
Suppose the demand for labour increases so that quantity supplied equals quantity demanded of
labour at a $10 wage. The new equilibrium wage rate is
A) $10 and there is no unemployment.
B) $10 and there is a surplus of labour.
C) $8 and there is a surplus of labour.
D) $8 and there is no unemployment.
E) $8 and there is unemployment.
Answer: A
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
30
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
Figure 6.3.1
15) Figure 6.3.1 gives the supply and demand schedules for teenage labour in Moncton, New
Brunswick. If this labour market is not regulated by government,
A) there is no teenage unemployment and the hourly wage rate is $12.
B) there is no teenage unemployment and the hourly wage rate is $10.
C) teenage unemployment is 400 hours and the hourly wage rate is $12.
D) teenage unemployment is 400 hours and the hourly wage rate is $10.
E) the minimum hourly wage is $14.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
16) Figure 6.3.1 gives the supply and demand schedules for teenage labour in Moncton, New
Brunswick. The Moncton City Council sets a minimum wage of $12 per hour. Teenage
unemployment is
A) 800 hours.
B) 600 hours.
C) 400 hours.
D) 200 hours.
E) zero hours.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
31
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
17) Figure 6.3.1 gives the supply and demand schedules for teenage labour in Moncton, New
Brunswick. The Moncton City Council sets a minimum wage of $8 per hour. Teenage
unemployment is
A) 800 hours.
B) 600 hours.
C) 400 hours.
D) 200 hours.
E) zero hours.
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
18) Figure 6.3.1 gives the supply and demand schedules for teenage labour in Moncton, New
Brunswick. Moncton City Council sets a minimum wage of $12 per hour. Suppose a new fast
food restaurant opens and increases the quantity demanded of teenage labour by 400 hours per
week at each wage rate. The result is a hourly wage rate of
A) $14 and zero teenage unemployment.
B) $12 and zero teenage unemployment.
C) $12 and 400 hours of teenage unemployment.
D) $14 and 400 hours of teenage unemployment.
E) none of the above.
Answer: B
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
19) Figure 6.3.1 gives the supply and demand schedules for teenage labour in Moncton, New
Brunswick. The Moncton City Council sets a minimum wage of $12 per hour. Suppose a new
fast food restaurant opens and increases the quantity demanded of teenage labour by 400 hours
per week at each wage rate. The result is teenage employment of
A) 1,000 hours per week and an hourly wage rate of $10.
B) 1,000 hours per week and an hourly wage rate of $14.
C) 800 hours per week and an hourly wage rate of $12.
D) 600 hours per week and an hourly wage rate of $14.
E) 400 hours per week and an hourly wage rate of $14.
Answer: C
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
32
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
Figure 6.3.2
20) Look at the labour market in Figure 6.3.2. What is unemployment (in hours per day) if the
minimum wage is set at $6 per hour?
A) 70
B) 50
C) 30
D) 20
E) zero
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
21) Look at the labour market in Figure 6.3.2. What is unemployment (in hours per day) if the
minimum wage is set at $14 per hour?
A) 40
B) 30
C) 20
D) 10
E) zero
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
22) Look at the labour market in Figure 6.3.2. What is the hourly equilibrium wage rate in an
unregulated market?
A) $10
B) $11
C) $12
D) $13
E) $14
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
33
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
Figure 6.3.3
23) Look at labour market in Figure 6.3.3. What is the equilibrium wage rate if the market is
unregulated?
A) $2
B) $3
C) $4
D) $5
E) $30
Answer: C
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
24) Look at labour market in Figure 6.3.3. If the minimum wage is set at $2, what is the level of
unemployment?
A) 50
B) 40
C) 20
D) 10
E) 0
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
34
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
25) Look at labour market in Figure 6.3.3. If the minimum wage is set at $6, what is the level of
unemployment?
A) 50
B) 40
C) 20
D) 10
E) 0
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
28) A "living wage" allows an individual living in a Canadian city to live below the poverty line.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
36
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
37) With a minimum wage law, the quantity of labour supplied is greater than the quantity of
labour demanded.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
38) If the demand for labour is very elastic, a rise in the minimum wage results in large job
losses.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
39) If the demand for labour is very inelastic, a rise in the minimum wage results in large job
losses.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
40) Without a minimum wage law, businesses will not pay their workers.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
41) Paying subsidies to persons earning low wages is better economic policy than minimum
wages because markets can continue to flexibly coordinate the smart choices of consumers and
businesses.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
37
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
42) Providing training to unskilled workers is better economic policy than minimum wages
because markets can continue to flexibly coordinate the smart choices of consumers and
businesses.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
43) Training programs and wage supplements are better economic policies than minimum wages
because they have no opportunity costs.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 148-153
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.3 Describe price floors and explain the unintended consequences of government
minimum wage laws.
6.4 When Markets Work Well, Are They Fair? Trade-Offs Between Efficiency and Equity
2) When the fee paid to doctors for a medical service is set below the equilibrium price, and
patients must pay for this service, we predict that
A) the price is above the doctor's marginal benefit.
B) only the rich can afford this service.
C) this service is over-provided.
D) the price is above the doctor's marginal opportunity cost.
E) there are shortages of this service.
Answer: E
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
38
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
3) When the fee paid to doctors for a medical service is set above the equilibrium price, and
patients must pay for this service, we predict that
A) this service is over-provided.
B) there are shortages of this service.
C) the price is above the doctor's marginal benefit.
D) everyone wants the service.
E) the price is below the doctor's marginal opportunity cost.
Answer: A
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
4) In the U.S. health care system, priority treatment goes to the patients who are
A) willing and able to pay the most.
B) willing and able to beg the nurse in the hospital emergency room.
C) most in need of the treatment.
D) willing and able to wait the longest.
E) willing and able to yell the loudest.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
5) Economists tend to
A) disagree more than they agree.
B) disagree about efficiency and agree about fairness.
C) disagree about efficiency and disagree about fairness.
D) agree about efficiency but disagree about fairness.
E) agree about efficiency and agree about fairness.
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
39
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
7) Market-driven health care generally
A) is more efficient than equitable health care.
B) provides good care to those who can afford it.
C) provides little care to those who cannot afford it.
D) has few waiting lists.
E) does all of the above.
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
10) If the government introduces a ceiling on the fees that lawyers can charge, the outcome is
A) always inefficient.
B) inefficient when the ceiling is above the equilibrium fee.
C) efficient when the ceiling is above the equilibrium fee.
D) efficient when the ceiling is below the equilibrium fee.
E) always efficient.
Answer: C
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
40
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
11) Allocating products and services to those who are most willing and able to pay may not be
equitable.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
12) Rewarding businesses who sell at the lowest price is efficient, but it may not be equitable.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
13) When a consumer can afford to buy a product or service at the market-clearing price but
chooses not to, the market outcome is unfair.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
14) When a consumer cannot afford to buy a product or service even when the marginal benefit
is greater than the market-clearing price, the market outcome may be unfair.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
15) In an efficient market outcome, products and services go to people who are most willing and
able to pay the most.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
16) The opportunity cost of allowing markets to work well is sometimes inequality.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
41
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
18) In an efficient market outcome, prices just cover all opportunity costs of production and
consumers buy products and services providing the most bang per buck.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
19) In an equitable market outcome, those most willing and able to pay receive products and
services.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
23) Economics provides the key to choosing between efficient and equitable outcomes.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
24) The Canadian health care system gives equal access to all by setting the price paid by
citizens to zero. This system might be fair, but it isn't efficient because it creates shortages and
lineups.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
42
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
25) In the U.S. health care system, priority goes to those who are most able to pay. This is fair
but it isn't efficient.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
26) When health care has a zero price, some people will overuse health care services.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
27) If Canadian governments fix the price paid to doctors below the market-clearing price, there
is a shortage of medical services provided.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
29) Quantity supplied usually exceeds quantity demanded in the Canadian health care market.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
30) In the private U.S. health care market, those unable to pay do not receive health care
services.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 153-156
Skill: Recall
Objective: 6.4 Explain government policy trade-offs between efficient and equitable outcomes.
43
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
6.5 Choosing Between Efficiency and Equity: What Economics Can and Cannot Do for You
44
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
4) Which statement is normative?
A) Health care should be free to the poor.
B) Health care costs more than dental care.
C) People who see their doctor at least once a year live longer.
D) Health care in America is less expensive than in Canada.
E) Cats have nine lives.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
11) "Does the Canadian health care system allocate resources efficiently?" is a normative
question.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
46
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
12) "Does the Canadian health care system allocate resources equitably?" is a normative
question.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 3 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
13) "Should the U.S. health care system be made fairer to the poor?" is a normative question.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
14) Policy choices depend on the relative value placed on efficiency versus equity.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
15) Deciding between the importance of equal opportunities or equal outcomes is a positive
question.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
16) Deciding between the importance of equal opportunities or equal outcomes is a normative
question.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
17) A left-leaning politician probably believes that equality of opportunity is more important that
equality of outcomes.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
47
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
18) A right-leaning politician probably believes that equality of opportunity is more important
that equality of outcomes.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
19) Economic thinking is about finding the most effective and efficient means to achieving the
normative ends you value most.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
20) "What is the most efficient policy for helping the homeless find housing?" is a normative
question.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
21) "What is the most effective policy for helping the working poor?" is a positive question.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
22) "Will a rise in the minimum wage increase the well-being of workers?" is a normative
question.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 157-159
Skill: Applied
Objective: 6.5 Describe two equity concepts and how to use positive economic thinking to
achieve a normative policy goal.
48
Copyright © 2016 Pearson Canada, Inc.
Another random document with
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York. It was a vast and variegated assemblage, composed of
persons from all sections of the North, and may be said to have
formed a new departure in the history of forces organized to resist
the growing and aggressive demands of slavery and the slave
power. Until this Buffalo convention anti-slavery agencies had been
mainly directed to the work of changing public sentiment by exposing
through the press and on the platform the nature of the slave
system. Anti-slavery thus far had only been sheet lightning; the
Buffalo convention sought to make it a thunderbolt. It is true the
Liberty party, a political organization, had been in existence since
1840, when it cast seven thousand votes for James G. Birney, a
former slaveholder, but who in obedience to an enlightened
conscience, had nobly emancipated his slaves, and was now
devoting his time and talents to the overthrow of slavery. It is true
that this little party of brave men had increased their numbers at one
time to sixty thousand voters. It, however, had now apparently
reached its culminating point, and was no longer able to attract to
itself and combine all the available elements at the North, capable of
being marshaled against the growing and aggressive measures and
aims of the slave power. There were many in the old Whig party
known as Conscience-Whigs, and in the Democratic party known as
Barnburners and Free Democrats, who were anti-slavery in
sentiment and utterly opposed to the extension of the slave system
to territory hitherto uncursed by its presence, but who nevertheless
were not willing to join the Liberty party. It was held to be deficient in
numbers and wanting in prestige. Its fate was the fate of all pioneers.
The work it had been required to perform had exposed it to assaults
from all sides, and it wore on its front the ugly marks of conflict. It
was unpopular for its very fidelity to the cause of liberty and justice.
No wonder that some of its members, such as Gerrit Smith, William
Goodell, Beriah Green, and Julius Lemoyne refused to quit the old
for the new. They felt that the Free-Soil party was a step backward, a
lowering of the standard, that the people should come to them, not
they to the people. The party which had been good enough for them
ought to be good enough for all others. Events, however, over-ruled
this reasoning. The conviction became general that the time had
come for a new organization, which should embrace all who were in
any manner opposed to slavery and the slave power, and this
Buffalo Free-Soil convention was the result of that conviction. It is
easy to say that this or that measure would have been wiser and
better than the one adopted. But any measure is vindicated by its
necessity and its results. It was impossible for the mountain to go to
Mahomet, or for the Free-Soil element to go to the old Liberty party,
so the latter went to the former. “All is well that ends well.” This
Buffalo convention of free-soilers, however low was their standard,
did lay the foundation of a grand superstructure. It was a powerful
link in the chain of events by which the slave system has been
abolished, the slave emancipated, and the country saved from
dismemberment.
It is nothing against the actors in this new movement that they
did not see the end from the beginning; that they did not at first take
the high ground that further on in the conflict their successors felt
themselves called upon to take, or that their free-soil party, like the
old liberty party, was ultimately required to step aside and make
room for the great Republican party. In all this and more it illustrates
the experience of reform in all ages, and conforms to the laws of
human progress—Measures change, principles never.
I was not the only colored man well known to the country who
was present at this convention. Samuel Ringold Ward, Henry
Highland Garnet, Charles L. Remond, and Henry Bibb, were there
and made speeches which were received with surprise and
gratification by the thousands there assembled. As a colored man I
felt greatly encouraged and strengthened for my cause while
listening to these men—in the presence of the ablest men of the
Caucasian race. Mr. Ward especially attracted attention at that
convention. As an orator and thinker he was vastly superior, I
thought, to any of us, and being perfectly black and of unmixed
African descent, the splendors of his intellect went directly to the
glory of his race. In depth of thought, fluency of speech, readiness of
wit, logical exactness, and general intelligence, Samuel R. Ward has
left no successor among the colored men amongst us, and it was a
sad day for our cause when he was laid low in the soil of a foreign
country.
After the Free Soil party, with “Free Soil,” “Free Labor,” “Free
States,” “Free Speech,” and “Free Men,” on its banner, had defeated
the almost permanently victorious Democratic party under the
leadership of so able and popular a standard-bearer as General
Lewis Cass, Mr. Calhoun and other southern statesmen were more
than ever alarmed at the rapid increase of anti-slavery feeling in the
North, and devoted their energies more and more to the work of
devising means to stay the torrents and tie up the storm. They were
not ignorant of whereunto this sentiment would grow if unsubjected
and unextinguished. Hence they became fierce and furious in
debate, and more extravagant than ever in their demands for
additional safeguards for their system of robbery and murder.
Assuming that the Constitution guaranteed their rights of property in
their fellowmen, they held it to be in open violation of the Constitution
for any American citizen in any part of the United States to speak,
write, or act against this right. But this shallow logic they plainly saw
could do them no good unless they could obtain further safeguards
for slavery. In order to effect this, the idea of so changing the
Constitution was suggested, that there should be two instead of one
President of the United States—one from the North and the other
from the South—and that no measure should become a law without
the assent of both. But this device was so utterly impracticable that it
soon dropped out of sight, and it is mentioned here only to show the
desperation of slaveholders to prop up their system of barbarism
against which the sentiment of the North was being directed with
destructive skill and effect. They clamored for more slave States,
more power in the Senate and House of Representatives, and
insisted upon the suppression of free speech. At the end of two
years, in 1850, when Clay and Calhoun, two of the ablest leaders the
South ever had, were still in the Senate, we had an attempt at a
settlement of differences between the North and South which our
legislators meant to be final. What those measures were I need not
here enumerate except to say that chief among them was the
Fugitive Slave Bill, framed by James M. Mason of Virginia, and
supported by Daniel Webster of Massachusetts; a bill undoubtedly
more designed to involve the North in complicity with slavery and
deaden its moral sentiment than to procure the return of fugitives to
their so-called owners. For a time this design did not altogether fail.
Letters, speeches, and pamphlets literally rained down upon the
people of the North, reminding them of their constitutional duty to
hunt down and return to bondage runaway slaves. In this the
preachers were not much behind the press and the politicians,
especially that class of preachers known as Doctors of Divinity. A
long list of these came forward with their Bibles to show that neither
Christ nor his holy apostles objected to returning fugitives to slavery.
Now that that evil day is past a sight of those sermons would, I doubt
not, bring the red blush of shame to the cheeks of many.
Living as I then did in Rochester, on the border of Canada, I was
compelled to see the terribly distressing effects of this cruel
enactment. Fugitive slaves, who had lived for many years safely and
securely in Western New York and elsewhere, some of whom had by
industry and economy saved money and bought little homes for
themselves and their children, were suddenly alarmed and
compelled to flee to Canada for safety as from an enemy’s land—a
doomed city—and take up a dismal march to a new abode, empty-
handed, among strangers. My old friend Ward, of whom I have just
now spoken, found it necessary to give up the contest and flee to
Canada, and thousands followed his example. Bishop Daniel A.
Payne, of the African Methodist Episcopal church, came to me about
this time to consult me as to whether it was best to stand our ground
or flee to Canada. When I told him I could not desert my post until I
saw I could not hold it, adding that I did not wish to leave while
Garnet and Ward remained, “Why,” said he, “Ward, Ward, he is
already gone. I saw him crossing from Detroit to Windsor.” I asked
him if he was going to stay, and he answered, “Yes; we are whipped,
we are whipped! and we might as well retreat in order.” This was
indeed a stunning blow. This man had power to do more to defeat
this inhuman enactment than any other colored man in the land, for
no other could bring such brain power to bear against it. I felt like a
besieged city at news that its defenders had fallen at its gates.
The hardships imposed by this atrocious and shameless law
were cruel and shocking, and yet only a few of all the fugitives of the
Northern States were returned to slavery under its infamously wicked
provisions. As a means of recapturing their runaway property in
human flesh the law was an utter failure. Its efficiency was destroyed
by its enormity. Its chief effect was to produce alarm and terror
among the class subject to its operation, and this it did most
effectually and distressingly. Even colored people who had been free
all their lives felt themselves very insecure in their freedom, for under
this law the oaths of any two villains were sufficient to consign a free
man to slavery for life. While the law was a terror to the free, it was a
still greater terror to the escaped bondman. To him there was no
peace. Asleep or awake, at work or at rest, in church or market, he
was liable to surprise and capture. By the law the judge got ten
dollars a head for all he could consign to slavery, and only five
dollars apiece for any which he might adjudge free. Although I was
now myself free, I was not without apprehension. My purchase was
of doubtful validity, having been bought when out of the possession
of my owner and when he must take what was given or take nothing.
It was a question whether my claimant could be estopped by such a
sale from asserting certain or supposable equitable rights in my body
and soul. From rumors that reached me my house was guarded by
my friends several nights, when kidnappers, had they come, would
have got anything but a cool reception, for there would have been
“blows to take as well as blows to give.” Happily this reign of terror
did not continue long. Despite the efforts of Daniel Webster and
Millard Fillmore and our Doctors of Divinity, the law fell rapidly into
disrepute. The rescue of Shadrack resulting in the death of one of
the kidnappers, in Boston, the cases of Simms and Anthony Burns,
in the same place, created the deepest feeling against the law and
its upholders. But the thing which more than all else destroyed the
fugitive slave law was the resistance made to it by the fugitives
themselves. A decided check was given to the execution of the law
at Christiana, Penn., where three colored men, being pursued by Mr.
Gorsuch and his son, slew the father, wounded the son, and drove
away the officers, and made their escape to my house in Rochester.
The work of getting these men safely into Canada was a delicate
one. They were not only fugitives from slavery but charged with
murder, and officers were in pursuit of them. There was no time for
delay. I could not look upon them as murderers. To me, they were
heroic defenders of the just rights of man against manstealers and
murderers. So I fed them, and sheltered them in my house. Had they
been pursued then and there, my home would have been stained
with blood, for these men who had already tasted blood were well
armed and prepared to sell their lives at any expense to the lives and
limbs of their probable assailants. What they had already done at
Christiana and the cool determination which showed very plainly
especially in Parker, (for that was the name of the leader,) left no
doubt on my mind that their courage was genuine and that their
deeds would equal their words. The situation was critical and
dangerous. The telegraph had that day announced their deeds at
Christiana, their escape, and that the mountains of Pennsylvania
were being searched for the murderers. These men had reached me
simultaneously with this news in the New York papers. Immediately
after the occurrence at Christiana, they, instead of going into the
mountains, were placed on a train which brought them to Rochester.
They were thus almost in advance of the lightning, and much in
advance of probable pursuit, unless the telegraph had raised agents
already here. The hours they spent at my house were therefore
hours of anxiety as well as activity. I dispatched my friend Miss Julia
Griffiths to the landing three miles away on the Genesee River to
ascertain if a steamer would leave that night for any port in Canada,
and remained at home myself to guard my tired, dust-covered, and
sleeping guests, for they had been harassed and traveling for two
days and nights, and needed rest. Happily for us the suspense was
not long, for it turned out, that that very night a steamer was to leave
for Toronto, Canada.
This fact, however, did not end my anxiety. There was danger
that between my house and the landing or at the landing itself we
might meet with trouble. Indeed the landing was the place where
trouble was likely to occur if at all. As patiently as I could, I waited for
the shades of night to come on, and then put the men in my
“Democrat carriage,” and started for the landing on the Genesee. It
was an exciting ride, and somewhat speedy withal. We reached the
boat at least fifteen minutes before the time of its departure, and that
without remark or molestation. But those fifteen minutes seemed
much longer than usual. I remained on board till the order to haul in
the gang-way was given; I shook hands with my friends, received
from Parker the revolver that fell from the hand of Gorsuch when he
died, presented now as a token of gratitude and a memento of the
battle for Liberty at Christiana, and I returned to my home with a
sense of relief which I cannot stop here to describe. This affair, at
Christiana, and the Jerry Rescue at Syracuse, inflicted fatal wounds
on the fugitive slave bill. It became thereafter almost a dead letter,
for slaveholders found that not only did it fail to put them in
possession of their slaves, but that the attempt to enforce it brought
odium upon themselves and weakened the slave system.
In the midst of these fugitive slave troubles came the book
known as Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a work of marvelous depth and power.
Nothing could have better suited the moral and humane
requirements of the hour. Its effect was amazing, instantaneous, and
universal. No book on the subject of slavery had so generally and
favorably touched the American heart. It combined all the power and
pathos of preceding publications of the kind, and was hailed by many
as an inspired production. Mrs. Stowe at once became an object of
interest and admiration. She had made fortune and fame at home,
and had awakened a deep interest abroad. Eminent persons in
England roused to anti-slavery enthusiasm by her “Uncle Tom’s
Cabin,” invited her to visit that country, and promised to give her a
testimonial. Mrs. Stowe accepted the invitation and the proffered
testimonial. Before sailing for England, however, she invited me from
Rochester, N. Y., to spend a day at her house in Andover, Mass.
Delighted with an opportunity to become personally acquainted with
the gifted authoress, I lost no time in making my way to Andover. I
was received at her home with genuine cordiality. There was no
contradiction between the author and her book. Mrs. Stowe
appeared in conversation equally as well as she appeared in her
writing. She made to me a nice little speech in announcing her object
in sending for me. “I have invited you here,” she said, “because I
wish to confer with you as to what can be done for the free colored
people of the country. I am going to England and expect to have a
considerable sum of money placed in my hands, and I intend to use
it in some way, for the permanent improvement of the free colored
people, and especially for that class which has become free by their
own exertions. In what way I can do this most successfully is the
subject I wish to talk with you about. In any event I desire to have
some monument rise after Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which shall show that
it produced more than a transient influence.” She said several plans
had been suggested, among others an educational institution pure
and simple, but that she thought favorably of the establishment of an
industrial school; and she desired me to express my views as to
what I thought would be the best plan to help the free colored
people. I was not slow to tell Mrs. Stowe all I knew and had thought
on the subject. As to a purely educational institution, I agreed with
her that it did not meet our necessities. I argued against expending
money in that way. I was also opposed to an ordinary industrial
school where pupils should merely earn the means of obtaining an
education in books. There were such schools, already. What I
thought of as best was rather a series of workshops, where colored
people could learn some of the handicrafts, learn to work in iron,
wood, and leather, and where a plain English education could also
be taught. I argued that the want of money was the root of all evil to
the colored people. They were shut out from all lucrative
employments and compelled to be merely barbers, waiters,
coachmen and the like at wages so low that they could lay up little or
nothing. Their poverty kept them ignorant and their ignorance kept
them degraded. We needed more to learn how to make a good living
than to learn Latin and Greek. After listening to me at considerable
length, she was good enough to tell me that she favored my views,
and would devote the money she expected to receive abroad to
meeting the want I had described as the most important; by
establishing an institution in which colored youth should learn trades
as well as to read, write, and count. When about to leave Andover,
Mrs. Stowe asked me to put my views on the subject in the form of a
letter, so that she could take it to England with her and show it to her
friends there, that they might see to what their contributions were to
be devoted. I acceded to her request and wrote her the following
letter for the purpose named.
I was not only requested to write the foregoing letter for the
purpose indicated, but I was also asked, with admirable foresight, to
see and ascertain, as far as possible, the views of the free colored
people themselves in respect to the proposed measure for their
benefit. This I was able to do in July, 1853, at the largest and most
enlightened colored convention that, up to that time, had ever
assembled in this country. This convention warmly approved the plan
of a manual labor school, as already described, and expressed high
appreciation of the wisdom and benevolence of Mrs. Stowe. This
convention was held in Rochester, N. Y., and will long be
remembered there for the surprise and gratification it caused our
friends in that city. They were not looking for such exhibition of
enlightened zeal and ability as were there displayed in speeches,
addresses, and resolutions; and in the conduct of the business for
which it had assembled. Its proceedings attracted wide-spread
attention at home and abroad.
While Mrs. Stowe was abroad, she was attacked by the pro-
slavery press of our country so persistently and vigorously, for
receiving money for her own private use, that the Rev. Henry Ward
Beecher felt called upon to notice and reply to them in the columns
of the New York Independent, of which he was then the editor. He
denied that Mrs. Stowe was gathering British gold for herself, and
referred her assailants to me, if they would learn what she intended
to do with the money. In answer to her maligners, I denounced their
accusations as groundless, and assured the public through the
columns of my paper, that the testimonial then being raised in
England by Mrs. Stowe, would be sacredly devoted to the
establishment of an industrial school for colored youth. This
announcement was circulated by other journals, and the attacks
ceased. Nobody could well object to such application of money,
received from any source, at home or abroad. After her return to this
country, I called again on Mrs. Stowe, and was much disappointed to
learn from her that she had reconsidered her plan for the industrial
school. I have never been able to see any force in the reasons for
this change. It is enough, however, to say that they were sufficient
for her, and that she no doubt acted conscientiously, though her
change of purpose was a great disappointment, and placed me in an
awkward position before the colored people of this country, as well
as to friends abroad, to whom I had given assurances that the
money would be appropriated in the manner I have described.
CHAPTER IX.
INCREASING DEMANDS OF THE SLAVE
POWER.