--%>

Free-rider problem

Explain the two characteristics of public goods? Describe the significance of each for public provision as opposed to private provision. Depict the free-rider problem as it associate to public goods?  Is the Canadian border patrol a public good or a private good?  Why?  How regarding satellite TV?  Describe.

E

Expert

Verified

Public goods are non-rival (one person’s consumption does not avoid consumption by another) and non-excludable (once the goods are generated nobody including free riders can be excluded through the goods’ benefits).  If goods are non-rival, there is less incentive for private firms to generate them – those purchasing the good could just let others the employ without compensation. Similarly, if goods are non-excludable, private firms are unlikely to produce them as the potential for profit is low. The free-rider problem occurs while people benefit from the public good without contributing to the cost (tax revenue proportionate to the benefit attained). The Canadian border patrol is a public good – my use and benefit does not prevent yours. Satellite TV is a private good – if the dish, receiver, and service go to my residence it can’t go to my neighbours. The fact that I could invite my neighbour over to watch does not alter its status from being a private good.

   Related Questions in Finance Basics

  • Q : Define the term Program Cost Accounting

    Program Cost Accounting (PCA): The level of accounting which identifies costs by activities executed in achievement of a purpose in contrast to the traditional line-item format. The aim of accounting at this level is to generate cost data adequately a

  • Q : What is Audit Audit : Usually a review

    Audit: Usually a review of financial statements or performance activity (like an agency or program) to establish conformity or compliance with the applicable laws, regulations, and/or standards. The state has three central association

  • Q : What is Fiscal Year Fiscal Year (FY):

    Fiscal Year (FY): Twelve-month periods throughout which income is earned and received, compulsions are incurred, encumbrances are prepared, appropriations are expended, and for which the other fiscal transactions are recorded. In Cali

  • Q : Why is replacement value of assets

    Why is the replacement value of assets method not used generally to value complete businesses?The replacement value of assets method is not frequently applied to complete business valuations since it is frequently very hard to locate similar ass

  • Q : Define Limited-Term Position

    Limited-Term Position (LT): Any place that has been authorized only for a particular length of time with a set termination date.Limited-term positions might be authorized throughout the budget procedure or in transactions approved by the D

  • Q : Describe the bird in the hand theory of

    Describe the bird in the hand theory of cash dividends. The bird in the hand dividends theory says that dividends attained now are better than a promise of future dividends. Uncertainty is resolved while a dividend is paid.

  • Q : What is Sunset Clause Sunset Clause :

    Sunset Clause: The language contained in a law which states the expiration (termination) date for that statute.

  • Q : Explain Governors Budget Summary or

    Governor's Budget Summary (or A-Pages): This is a companion publication to the Governor’s Budget which outlines the Governor’s goals, policies, and objectives for the budget year. This gives a perspective on important fiscal and/or structu

  • Q : Define Warrant Warrant : It is an order

    Warrant: It is an order drawn by the State Controller directing the State Treasurer to reimburse a particular amount, from a specific fund, to the entity or person named. A warrant usually corresponds to a blank check however is not essentially payabl

  • Q : Define Referendum Referendum: This is

    Referendum: This is the power of the electors to support or reject statutes or parts of statutes, with particular exceptions and meeting particular deadlines and number of voter’s signatures.