The economy produces four distinct types of goods based on two key characteristics -- consumption rivalry and nonpayer excludability. Consumption rivalry arises if consumption of a good by one person prevents another from also consuming. Nonpayer excludability means potential consumers who do not pay for a good can be excluded from consuming. Private goods are rival in consumption and easily subject to the exclusion of nonpayers. Public goods are nonrival in consumption and the exclusion of nonpayers is virtually impossible. Near-public goods are nonrival in consumption and easily subject to exclusion. Common-property goods are rival in consumption and not easily subject to exclusion. Private goods can be efficiently exchanged through markets. Public, near-public and common-property goods cannot, but require some degree of government involvement for efficiency.

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There seems to be a disturbance on the steps of the Shady Valley City Hall. Why it's the twins, Donna and Rhonda, engaged in yet another of their long-running, and overly heated, political arguments. Donna, you see, is a devoted Democrat and Rhonda is a rigid Republican. They haven't found much to agree on since, well, come to think of it they've never agreed on anything. In their current debate, Donna is making a strident case for stricter regulation of the banking industry and Rhonda is championing the virtues of free enterprise. I had better hitch up my jogging pants and intervene before their argument comes to blows -- again. While I do, let's ponder the source of differing political views.
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Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time strolling around a discount warehouse buying club trying to buy either handcrafted decorations to hang on your walls or throw pillows for your bed. Be on the lookout for celebrities who speak directly to you through your television.
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This isn't me! What am I?

-- Eleanor Roosevelt, first lady

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