Increased government debt can lead to higher interest rates and, as a result, crowding out of private investment spending. in terms of borrowing (debt-spending), what will offset the effect of crowding out in the long run so that government debt poses less of a problem to the economy? a. debt-spending on education. b. debt-spending on research and development. c. debt-spending on highways and ports. d. all of the above.

The correct answer is option D.

Explanation:

Increase in government spending may not lead to an expansionary effect on the economy because of the crowding-out effect. This is because increased borrowing to fund spending leads to increase in interest rates. Increased interest rate discourages investors leading to a decline in private investment. This further has an adverse effect on aggregate demand.  

If the debt spending is spent on constructive work such as infrastructure, research, and development, education, etc it will create value in the future. Such spending will pose less problem in the long run. Spending on education will create human capital. Spending on infrastructure and research and development will further help in the production process.