The term free rider originates from the idea of someone who rides public transportation without paying the fare. The free rider problem is what results when too many people do this: the transit system will go bankrupt. More broadly, the free rider is someone who uses or enjoys the benefits of something without paying, or takes more than his or her share of a public good. Free riders can cause others to curtail their own contributions, not wanting to be taken advantage of.

In some cases, the free rider problem is viewed as a necessary cost of government. When citizens pay for national defense or environmental protection, everyone benefits, even those who evade paying taxes.

1. Which of the following examples matches the definition of a free rider problem as described in the passage?

I. A skateboarder grabs onto the back of a car and is able to travel effortlessly for over a mile before letting go.
II. A senior citizen pays less for a movie ticket than do the other people in the theater.
III. A yearly school bake sale based on the honor system is suspended when too many people take food without paying.



2. The author of the passage would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

(A) Free riders cannot be blamed for their actions, because they are an inevitable part of any government.
(B) Free rider problems are not worth worrying about, because they are an inevitable part of any government.
(C) There are at least some situations in which the free rider problem should not be viewed as an inevitable part of government.
(D) National defense is a perfect example of why free rider problems need to be stamped out as quickly as possible.
(E) Free riders are morally at fault, and ought to be punished.