Exploring the Roles of Government in the US Economy

This video, produced by the Georgia Department of Education, explores the roles of government in the US economy, focusing on public goods, income redistribution, property rights, and market failures. It explains the free rider problem, the importance of taxes, and how the government ensures market efficiency and stability. The video emphasizes understanding these roles without taking a political stance, highlighting the complexity of government involvement in economic systems.

What type of economy does the United States primarily function as?

• Mixed economy

• Market economy

• Traditional economy

• Command economy

Why is the free rider problem significant in the context of public goods?

• It ensures that only those who pay can use the goods.

• It encourages people to pay more taxes.

• It leads to overuse of public goods.

• It allows people to benefit without paying, reducing the incentive to contribute.

How does the government address the free rider problem?

• By increasing the cost of public goods

• By limiting access to public goods

• By collecting taxes from everyone

• By privatizing public goods

What is the primary source of revenue for the federal government in the U.S.?

• Corporate taxes

• Sales taxes

• Income taxes

• Property taxes

Which of the following is an example of redistributing income?

• Funding public schools

• Building new highways

• Maintaining national parks

• Providing unemployment benefits

Why is protecting property rights crucial for the U.S. economy?

• It increases the cost of goods and services.

• It limits the number of new businesses.

• It reduces government spending.

• It encourages companies to invest in research and development.

What can be patented under U.S. property rights laws?

• Movies

• Logos

• Songs

• Inventions

What is a market failure?

• A situation where there is too much competition

• A situation where there is no government intervention

• A situation where resources are not allocated efficiently

• A situation where resources are allocated efficiently

Which of the following is an example of a negative externality?

• Monopoly control

• Efficient resource allocation

• Increased competition

• Pollution from a factory

Why does the government intervene in cases of monopolies?

• To reduce competition

• To ensure efficient resource allocation

• To increase prices

• To limit the number of businesses