Explain Why a Government May Select an Inefficient Allocation

question 11

Essay

Explain why a government may select an inefficient allocation.

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Definitions:

Producer Surplus

The difference between the amount that producers are willing and able to sell a good for and the amount they actually receive (market price).

Total Surplus

The sum of consumer surplus and producer surplus, representing the total net benefit to society from a market transaction.

Deadweight Loss

The reduction of economic efficiency that happens when the free market does not achieve equilibrium for a particular good or service.

Tariff

A tax imposed by a government on goods and services imported from other countries to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.