Which of the following is true about the role of GDP in evaluating an economy?

• A. It only accounts for government services
• B. It reflects total economic activity over time
• C. It is solely based on consumer spending
• D. It ignores inflation and price changes

Answer: (B)

The reason why it is accurate to state that GDP reflects total economic activity over time is that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country during a specific period. This metric encompasses consumption, investment, government spending, and net exports, providing a comprehensive snapshot of an economy's performance. By analyzing GDP over various timeframes, economists can assess growth trends, economic cycles, and overall health, making it a crucial indicator for evaluating economic strength and potential.

The other options do not accurately describe the full picture of GDP. For instance, GDP does not focus solely on government services or on consumer spending alone; it factors in all sectors of the economy. Additionally, it takes inflation into account through real GDP, which adjusts for price changes over time, allowing for a more accurate reflection of economic growth rather than just nominal increases.