What is the term for government policy that involves controlling spending and taxation?

The term that refers to government policy focused on controlling spending and taxation is fiscal policy. This type of policy is vital for managing a country's economy, as it directly influences the levels of government expenditure and revenue collection through taxes. Fiscal policy aims to achieve macroeconomic goals, such as economic growth, low unemployment, and price stability.

When a government engages in fiscal policy, it may increase spending to stimulate economic activity or cut back on spending to reduce inflation. Additionally, changes in tax rates can influence consumer spending and business investment, which in turn affects overall economic health.

In contrast, monetary policy, which is often confused with fiscal policy, relates to the management of a country's money supply and interest rates, typically conducted by a central bank. Cyclical policy generally refers to strategies aimed at addressing economic cycles, while regulatory policy pertains to rules and regulations imposed by the government to control the behavior of businesses and individuals, rather than directly influencing economic factors through spending and taxation.