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3.3 notes. The role of gov’t in the economy. Public Goods. Provided by gov’t , used by everyone Funded by taxes Examples – street lights, national defense 2 characteristics: 1. can’t exclude anyone and 2. one person’s use doesn’t reduce usefulness to someone else. Market Failure.
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3.3 notes The role of gov’t in the economy
Public Goods • Provided by gov’t, used by everyone • Funded by taxes • Examples – street lights, national defense • 2 characteristics: 1. can’t exclude anyone and 2. one person’s use doesn’t reduce usefulness to someone else
Market Failure • Can happen when people benefit or are hurt by something they are not part of • They are called positive externalities or negative externalities • Example: free rider that watches fireworks (positive) or pollution in air, water (negative)
Cont’d • We want to SPREAD positive externalities, sometimes through subsidies • Example: flu shots for free • We want to SLOW DOWN or STOP negative externalities • Example: taxing companies that pollute
Gov’t also… • Provides safety nets for people that may to too old or sick • Examples: Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, unemployment insurance • http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/06/politics/unemployment-insurance/index.html?hpt=po_c2