Public goods can frequently be provided by private action when the resulting benefits are widespread.

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Public goods are characterized by non-excludability and non-rivalry, meaning no one can be excluded from their use and one person's use does not reduce availability for others. When benefits are widespread, the free-rider problem often prevents private action from adequately providing these goods, as individuals have little incentive to pay for something they can use without contributing. This typically necessitates government intervention to ensure provision.

Public Goods Can Frequently Be Provided by Private Action When