Chapter 13: Problem 7

Which of the following goods or services are nonexcludable? a. police protection b. streaming music from satellite transmission programs c. roads d. primary education e. cell phone service

Short Answer

Expert verified

The nonexcludable goods or services in the list are a. police protection, c. roads, and d. primary education.

Step by step solution

Option a. Police protection

Police protection is generally provided to all citizens of a particular jurisdiction or area. It is considered a public service funded by taxes, and it is very difficult to exclude anyone from receiving it. Therefore, police protection is nonexcludable.

Option b. Streaming music from satellite transmission programs

Streaming music from satellite transmission programs usually requires a subscription or purchase to access the content. These services can limit access to people who do not have a subscription or have not paid for the content. In this case, streaming music is excludable, so it is not nonexcludable.

Option c. Roads

Public roads are generally funded through taxes and are accessible to everyone. It is hard to restrict someone from using the roads, especially those in a city or town. Therefore, roads as a general concept are nonexcludable. However, specific types of roads like toll roads or private roads can be excludable.

Option d. Primary education

In many countries, primary education is provided free of charge and is funded by taxes. This public education system aims to give everyone access to education, so it is tough to exclude someone from receiving primary education. As a result, primary education is nonexcludable.

Option e. Cell phone service

Cell phone services are provided by companies that require payment in exchange for access to their networks. They can deny access to their service if someone hasn't paid for it or doesn't meet specific requirements. In this case, cell phone service is excludable and therefore not nonexcludable. In conclusion, the nonexcludable goods or services in the list are a. police protection, c. roads, and d. primary education.