For office use only
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
FINAL ASSESSMENT:
JUNE 2017
MODULE NAME
DURATION
TOTAL MARKS
PUBLIC ECONOMICS
: 3 HOURS
100
Examiner/s
Internal moderator
[h A, Bavat
Miss P/L
Moses
External moderator
YV1r
Departmental chairperson
Prof N;]
#jsop
EXAMINER'S INSTRUCTIONS: Answer anyfour out of the five questions below.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
This examination paper consists of . . . 2... printed pages (including cover sheet); please ensure that
you have all of them.
Please ensure that your Student Number is clearly printed on the examination answer booklet/s and
that you have completed the attendance form (control form). Also ensure that your student number
is correctly captured on the multiple choice answer sheet should you be required to complete on'*
You may not have any books, writing paper, notes, manuscripts, electronic media (cellphones,
smart devices, laptops, etc.) in your possession, unless otherwise stipulated in this examination
question paper.
Please ensure that your answer booklet and question paper are collected by an invigilator at the
end of the examination session. Examination answer booklets must be intact when collected by
the invigilator. No stapled, paper clipped or glued booklets will be accepted.
Please answer all questions (unless indicated otherwise). It is in your interest to write in a legible
manner.
QUESTION 1
Discuss the Rawlsian theory of justice and briefly comment on its relevance to the political
economy of South Africa. (25)
QUESTION 2
Discuss trends in the size, growth and composition of government spending in South Africa
since 1994. (25)
QUESTION 3
3.1 Distinguish primary income from secondary income. (10)
3.2 Explain the role of public finance in redistribution. (15)
QUESTION 4
"A fiscally decentralised system is always more efficient and more equitable than a fiscally
centralised system." Discuss. (25)
QUESTION 5
5.1 Define and explain the 'comprehensive income tax base'. (12)
5.2 Critically evaluate the introduction of a worldwide basis of taxation in South Africa.
(13)