Which of the following is the best example of a public good? a. Pencils b. Education c. Defense d. Trucks

The four options given are: a. Pencils: A pencil is a writing instrument used for drawing or writing. b. Education: Education, in this context refers to a system where knowledge, values, and skills are transferred to learners. c. Defense: Defense refers to the measures taken to protect a country from external threats. d. Trucks: A truck is a motor vehicle used for transporting goods.

Let's analyze which items on the list meet the criteria of non-excludability. Non-excludable goods or services are available to all members of society, regardless of their ability or willingness to pay. a. Pencils: Pencils can be bought in markets and are not available to everyone for free - Excludable. b. Education: Public education is available to all members of a society and is, in most cases, funded by taxpayers - Non-excludable. c. Defense: The defense system of a country protects all of its citizens, irrespective of their contributions - Non-excludable. d. Trucks: Trucks are privately owned vehicles and are not available to everyone for free - Excludable. Based on this analysis, only options b (Education) and c (Defense) meet the non-excludable criterion.

Now, let's analyze which of the remaining options (Education and Defense) are non-rivalrous. Non-rivalrous goods or services don't have a limited supply, and their usage by one person does not affect the availability for others. b. Education: When education is provided to one student, it doesn't reduce the availability of education for other students - Non-rivalrous. c. Defense: When one citizen benefits from the defense system, it doesn't reduce the protection available for other citizens - Non-rivalrous. Both Education and Defense meet the non-rivalrous criterion.

Although both Education and Defense satisfy the requirements of a public good, Defense is considered a more classic example of a public good. Defense not only protects all members of society, but is also funded by the government through taxpayer money, making it more of a pure public good. Education, while being a public service, can sometimes have limits on capacity and resources. Thus, the best example of a public good among the given options is: c. Defense