Which of the following is an example of a public good that a consumer may want but not be able to obtain?

• A. A restaurant meal
• B. A concert ticket
• C. National defense
• D. A private swimming pool

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of a public good. A public good is characterized by two main features: it is non-excludable (people cannot be prevented from using it) and non-rivalrous (one person's use does not reduce availability to others).
2. Step 2: Analyze each option to see if it fits the criteria of a public good. For example, a restaurant meal and a concert ticket are both excludable and rivalrous, meaning they are private goods.
3. Step 3: Consider the option 'National defense.' It is non-excludable because everyone in the country benefits from it regardless of whether they pay for it, and non-rivalrous because one person's protection does not reduce protection for others.
4. Step 4: Recognize that a private swimming pool is excludable and rivalrous, so it is a private good, not a public good.
5. Step 5: Conclude that 'National defense' is the correct example of a public good that a consumer may want but cannot individually obtain or exclude others from benefiting.