Which of the following is a free rider?
A) Butch breeds the feared pit bulls, and his neighbors now erect fences around their property.
B) Fred watches many public television programs, but he has never sent in a contribution.
C) Barry steals candy from the store where he works.
D) Betty regularly uses the local public library.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A free rider is someone who benefits from a public good without adequately contributing to its provision. In this case, Fred watches public television programs without sending in a contribution, therefore benefiting from the programming without paying for it. The other options do not fit the definition of a free rider. Butch's neighbors are responding to potential danger from his pit bulls, Barry is committing theft, and Betty is using a public service that is available to all without any additional cost to taxpayers.

Which of the Following Is a Free Rider