![]() The second main characteristic of a public good, that it is nonrivalrous, means that when one person uses the public good, another can also use it. You cannot choose to be unprotected, and national defense cannot protect everyone else and exclude you. Even if you strongly disagree with America’s defense policies or with the level of defense spending, the national defense still protects you. However, if national defense is being provided, then it includes everyone. If Larry buys a private good like a piece of pizza, then he can exclude others, like Lorna, from eating that pizza. The first characteristic, that a public good is nonexcludable, means that it is costly or impossible to exclude someone from using the good. Instead, public goods have two defining characteristics: they are nonexcludable and nonrivalrous. However, public goods are not separate and identifiable in this way. A piece of pizza can be bought and sold fairly easily because it is a separate and identifiable item. ![]() To understand the defining characteristics of a public good, first consider an ordinary private good, like a piece of pizza. The Definition of a Public GoodĮconomists have a strict definition of a public good, and it does not necessarily include all goods financed through taxes. Then we will see how government may step in to address the issue. ![]() Let’s begin by defining the characteristics of a public good and discussing why these characteristics make it difficult for private firms to supply public goods. Spending on national defense is a good example of a public good. What about a situation where the positive externalities are so extensive that private firms could not expect to receive any of the social benefit? This kind of good is called a public good.
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