Which of the following illustrates public provision as a policy approach?

• A. SNAP
• B. Public schooling
• C. Solar subsidies
• D. Education vouchers

Answer: (B)

Public provision is when the government directly delivers a service through its own institutions, funded by taxpayers. Public schooling fits this because the state runs the schools, hires the teachers, sets curricula and standards, and funds the operation so education is provided directly by the government to all students. In contrast, SNAP transfers money to individuals to buy food from private retailers, so the government is funding a benefit rather than delivering the service itself. Solar subsidies encourage private action by lowering costs for private providers or households, rather than the government supplying energy. Education vouchers push public funds to families to spend on schooling at private or public schools, but the actual schooling is carried out by non-government providers in many cases. Therefore, public schooling best illustrates public provision.