A public good may be defined as any good or service that:
A) must be provided only to certain groups.
B) must be distributed to all citizens in equal shares.
C) excludes free riders.
D) is not exclusive.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A public good is not exclusive, meaning that it is not possible to exclude individuals from benefitting from the good, regardless of whether or not they have contributed to its provision. This is one of the defining characteristics of a public good, along with non-rivalry in consumption, meaning that consumption by one individual does not diminish the availability of the good for others to consume. The other options listed do not accurately reflect the characteristics of a public good.

A Public Good May Be Defined as Any Good or Service