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Library AP Microeconomics Unit 6: Market Failure and the Role of Government
⁂   AP Microeconomics · Unit 6

6. Market Failure and the Role of Government

8–13% of the AP exam. Key topics: Negative externalities in production and consumption: social cost exceeds private cost, Positive externalities in production and consumption: social benefit exceeds private benefit, Pigouvian taxes: correcting negative externalities by taxing to internalize external costs, Pigouvian subsidies: correcting positive externalities by subsidizing to internalize external benefits, Public goods: non-rival and non-excludable characteristics, free-rider problem, under-provision by markets, Common resources and the tragedy of the commons, Income distribution: Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient, Government redistribution tools: marginal tax rates, transfer payments, Government failure: unintended consequences of intervention.

7 instructional periods 8–13% exam weight standard track

Unit 6: Market Failure and the Role of Government

Study guide content for this unit is being prepared. Check back soon for complete lesson notes, formula sheets, and worked examples.

Topics in this unit

  • Negative externalities in production and consumption: social cost exceeds private cost
  • Positive externalities in production and consumption: social benefit exceeds private benefit
  • Pigouvian taxes: correcting negative externalities by taxing to internalize external costs
  • Pigouvian subsidies: correcting positive externalities by subsidizing to internalize external benefits
  • Public goods: non-rival and non-excludable characteristics, free-rider problem, under-provision by markets
  • Common resources and the tragedy of the commons
  • Income distribution: Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient
  • Government redistribution tools: marginal tax rates, transfer payments
  • Government failure: unintended consequences of intervention