Although the Networks and Infrastructure That Keep the Internet Humming

question 3

Multiple Choice

Although the networks and infrastructure that keep the Internet humming are often products of private industry, its origins lie in networks developed by the American federal government, largely in connection with national defense, as well as research.Today, of course, most of the country's fastest-growing businesses are Internet companies. From what you have read, how unusual was this digital development in relation to how provision of public goods has supported business and technological development over time?

• A) Highly unusual, since public goods usually just help individuals, and not businesses, get from place to place, or communicate, more efficiently
• B) Somewhat unusual, since private industry has most often handled such large development on its own
• C) Not at all unusual, since the federal government has repeatedly helped build or support markets through pubic goods and service provision over time
• D) Highly unusual, since the military has been reluctant to share technological innovations due to national security concerns

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Definitions:

Foreign Exchange Market

A global marketplace for trading national currencies against one another.

Euros

The official currency of the eurozone, which consists of 19 of the 27 European Union member states.

Credit Item

An entry that increases the balance of a firm's or individual's account in financial statements.

Balance of Payments

A record of all financial transactions made between a country and the rest of the world over a specific period.