Asked by Janay Johnson on May 14, 2024
Verified
Some people have argued that government should provide only those goods that we would truly define as public goods.If so,which of the following should government provide?
A) National defense
B) Daycare centers for children of working mothers
C) Mail delivery
D) Unemployment benefits
E) Subsidies for agricultural products
Public Goods
Goods that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning they can be enjoyed by anyone and use by one person does not reduce availability to others.
National Defense
Governmental actions and strategies aimed at protecting a country from external threats and ensuring national security.
Agricultural Products
Goods derived from farming and agriculture, including crops, livestock, and other raw materials.
- Understand the principle of public goods and the logic for the state’s provision of specific goods and services.
Verified Answer
SA
Salamatu AbdallahMay 15, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
National defense is a classic example of a public good because it is both non-excludable (individuals cannot be excluded from its benefits) and non-rivalrous (one person's consumption of national defense does not diminish the amount available for others). Therefore, it is a proper role for government to provide national defense. The other options listed may have some public good characteristics, but they are not purely public goods and can be provided by the private sector or at least partially funded through private means.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the principle of public goods and the logic for the state’s provision of specific goods and services.