It is generally posited the policy mix should aim at maximizing growth and minimizing unemployment and inflation. However, according to theories advocating for 'central bank independence' central banks and governments are sometimes theorized to have different time horizons, with the elected governments having a shorter horizon. Both can have other objectives and must adhere to some constraints – obeying a deficit rule, securing the financial sector, courting popularity, etc. – diverting them from these primary objectives.
Central bank independence is generally held to be positive, because it prevents a single authority from simultaneously issuing debt and paying it off with newly created money, which would be inflationary.[2]