Which of the following represents key strengths of the market economy as a system of
allocation?
a. Goods and services are allocated based on willingness and ability to pay, rather than
based on need.
b. Producers have strong incentives to innovate because successful innovators are
rewarded with higher profit.
c. Since price is freely set based on supply and demand, shortages and surpluses are
minimized.
d. Both b. and c. above are correct.
Exhibit 12-1 Income distribution for three countries
Exhibit 12-1 shows the percentage of income received by each population quintile. In
Country II we can conclude that the:
a. least-wealthy 20 percent of the population received 75 percent of the economy’s
income.
b. least-wealthy 20 percent of the population received 25 percent of the economy’s
income.
c. richest 20 percent of the population received 25 percent of the economy’s income.
d. richest 40 percent of the population received 25 percent of the economy’s income.
e. least-wealthy 40 percent of the population received 25 percent of the economy’s
income.