What does aggregate supply represent?

Aggregate supply represents the total productive capacity of the economy, reflecting the overall output that can be produced at a given overall price level, assuming that the labor force and capital are fully employed. It takes into account all the goods and services that producers are willing and able to supply across various price levels, considering factors such as resources, technology, and the efficiency of production methods.

Understanding aggregate supply is crucial in analyzing how various factors contribute to economic growth and inflation. It directly relates to the economy's potential output and helps in determining how shifts in resources, improvements in technology, and changes in policy can affect overall economic productivity. By focusing on productive capacity, aggregate supply provides insights into long-term economic health and the ability to meet demands in the economy.

The other options reflect different economic concepts: total expenditure refers to aggregate demand, which is the total amount of goods and services demanded; total amount of goods and services demanded is also represented by aggregate demand; employment levels relate to labor market conditions but do not encompass the broader scope of aggregate supply.