Grade 11 · Social studies
Distinguish public goods in a simplified economic model
Use stated rivalry and exclusion conditions to classify economic goods rather than assuming all government services are pure public goods.
6 authored questions + worked example
Worked example
In a model, a warning signal reaches everyone in range without reducing anyone else’s receipt, and exclusion is impractical. Which category fits?
Answer & why
Answer: pure public good
The model states nonrival use and nonexcludability.
All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
In a model, anyone may catch fish from an unmanaged lake, but each fish caught leaves fewer for others. Which category fits?
- pure public good
- club good
- private good
- common-pool resource
A hint
A rival good is reduced for others when one person uses it; exclusion means access can be restricted.
Answer & why
Answer: common-pool resource
Access is nonexcludable in the model, while use is rival.
Question 2
In a model, an uncongested digital service requires a membership code and an added user does not reduce service to others. Which category fits?
- private good
- pure public good
- club good
- common-pool resource
A hint
A rival good is reduced for others when one person uses it; exclusion means access can be restricted.
Answer & why
Answer: club good
Access is excludable, while use is nonrival under the no-congestion assumption.
Question 3
A model defense service protects all residents without exclusion and without one resident’s protection reducing another’s. Which category fits?
- club good
- common-pool resource
- pure public good
- private good
A hint
A rival good is reduced for others when one person uses it; exclusion means access can be restricted.
Answer & why
Answer: pure public good
Both defining conditions of a pure public good are explicitly stated.
Question 4
A rented bicycle can be denied to nonrenters, and one renter prevents another using it at the same time. Which category fits?
- common-pool resource
- pure public good
- club good
- private good
A hint
A rival good is reduced for others when one person uses it; exclusion means access can be restricted.
Answer & why
Answer: private good
The bicycle is both excludable and rival in simultaneous use.
Question 5
In a model, a warning signal reaches everyone in range without reducing anyone else’s receipt, and exclusion is impractical. Which category fits?
- private good
- pure public good
- club good
- common-pool resource
A hint
A rival good is reduced for others when one person uses it; exclusion means access can be restricted.
Answer & why
Answer: pure public good
The model states nonrival use and nonexcludability.
Question 6
A sandwich can be withheld from nonbuyers, and eating it leaves none for another person. Which category fits?
- pure public good
- common-pool resource
- private good
- club good
A hint
A rival good is reduced for others when one person uses it; exclusion means access can be restricted.
Answer & why
Answer: private good
It is excludable and rival.
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