Recession/Depression describes which economic phase?

• A. A period of rapidly increasing production.
• B. A phase in the economy where production is low and unemployment is high.
• C. A long-term high inflation.
• D. A government budget surplus.

Answer: (B)

Recession or depression is a downturn in the business cycle, where economic activity slows. In this phase, production falls as firms produce less, capacity is underutilized, and unemployment rises because fewer workers are needed. This contrasts with expansions, where production increases and unemployment falls. It also isn’t defined by high inflation or by a government budget surplus, which are separate issues. So the description of low production and high unemployment best captures recession or depression.