HomeQuestionsSociologyMarket Failures and Government Role

Market Failures and Government Role

Market failures occur when free markets allocate resources inefficiently, leading to negative outcomes such as monopolies, which can charge higher prices due to lack of competition. In such cases, government intervention is necessary to promote efficiency and equity, through measures like breaking up monopolies or regulating industries. Understanding market failures and the various roles of government is crucial in Economics as it highlights the balance between free markets and the need for regulation to protect consumers and ensure fair competition.

17 practice questions with detailed explanations

17
Questions Available

Practice Questions

Click any question to see detailed solutions

1

What is a primary cause of market failure that may necessitate government intervention?

Externalities happen when someone's actions affect others, like pollution. Other options are incorrect because Some might think perfect competition ca...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
2

How does government intervention typically address the issue of monopoly power in a market?

Governments can break up monopolies or control their prices. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that removing all rules helps the ma...

mediummultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
3

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates government intervention through price controls to correct a market failure?

When the government sets a maximum price for essential medicines, it helps people afford what they need. Other options are incorrect because This opti...

mediummultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
4

How do subsidies interact with deadweight loss in the context of the tragedy of the commons, and what role can government intervention play to mitigate these effects?

Subsidies can sometimes make deadweight loss worse. Other options are incorrect because Some people think subsidies can fix all problems; It's a commo...

hardmultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
5

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the interplay between information asymmetry, equity versus efficiency, and the tragedy of the commons?

This example shows how the government helps manage resources. Other options are incorrect because This option shows a company hiding problems; This sc...

hardmultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
6

What is a primary cause of market failure that may necessitate government intervention?

Externalities happen when someone's actions affect others without paying for it. Other options are incorrect because Some might think perfect competit...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
7

What is an externality, and how can it lead to market failure?

An externality is a cost or benefit that affects someone who is not part of a deal. Other options are incorrect because Some might think a tax is an e...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
8

Which of the following is an example of a public good that the government typically provides?

National defense is a public good. Other options are incorrect because Some might think private security helps everyone like national defense; People ...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
9

A company has dominated the smartphone market for several years, leading to significantly higher prices and limited innovation. Which category best describes this situation?

This situation shows a market failure. Other options are incorrect because Some might think this is perfect competition, but that's when many companie...

easyclassificationClick to view full solution
10

Arrange the steps that illustrate the government's role in correcting market failures due to monopolies.

First, the government needs to find out if a company is a monopoly and how it affects people. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests...

mediumorderingClick to view full solution
11

How can government intervention effectively address monopolies in a free market?

Introducing more competition helps break up monopolies. Other options are incorrect because Some think regulating prices makes things fair; Allowing m...

hardcase_studyClick to view full solution
12

Monopoly:Market Failure :: Government Intervention:?

Government intervention helps protect consumers from unfair practices. Other options are incorrect because Some might think government makes things mo...

easyanalogyClick to view full solution
13

What is the primary cause of market failures when a single company dominates an industry and restricts competition?

When one company controls the market, it can set high prices and limit choices. Other options are incorrect because Some think too many rules hurt the...

easycause_effectClick to view full solution
14

A local cable company has become the only provider in your city, leading to significantly higher prices for customers. Which of the following best describes the situation and the potential role of government intervention?

This situation shows a market failure. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that no competition is good for the market; This answer su...

easyscenario_basedClick to view full solution
15

Which of the following statements accurately describe the role of government in addressing market failures? Select all that apply.

All the statements misunderstand how government can help fix problems in the market. Other options are incorrect because This suggests that breaking u...

hardmultiple_correctClick to view full solution
16

In cases of market failures, government intervention is often necessary to ensure fair competition and prevent negative outcomes such as monopolies. One common method the government uses is to __________ monopolies by promoting competition and regulating prices.

The government tries to break up monopolies. Other options are incorrect because Some might think the government should help monopolies grow; Ignoring...

mediumfill_in_blankClick to view full solution
17

How can government intervention effectively address market failures like monopolies?

Government can break up monopolies or set rules on prices. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that removing rules will help business...

mediummultiple_choiceClick to view full solution

Master Market Failures and Government Role

Ready to take your understanding to the next level? Access personalized practice sessions, progress tracking, and advanced learning tools.