Which of the following best illustrates the concept of fiscal policy?

The choice that best illustrates the concept of fiscal policy is increasing government expenditure to stimulate the economy. Fiscal policy involves the use of government spending and taxation to influence economic activity. By increasing government expenditure, the government injects more money into the economy, which can lead to higher demand for goods and services, job creation, and overall economic growth. This action is often taken during periods of economic downturn to counteract declining economic activity and boost consumer confidence.

In contrast, the other options primarily relate to monetary policy, which deals with the management of money supply and interest rates. Raising interest rates to curb inflation falls under monetary policy as it is a central bank's action designed to control inflation rather than fiscal policy. Decreasing the supply of money in circulation also pertains to monetary policy, which focuses on regulating money supply rather than on government spending and tax decisions. Encouraging consumer spending through tax cuts can be a component of fiscal policy, but it is less direct than increased government expenditure, as tax cuts may delay immediate government spending impacts on the economy.