[bvw]

Definitions of terms are derived within the proper context. The context of the test is civics -- the relationship of citizens and government. In that context, BusinessDictionary.com, is the proper definition that applies here. They incorporate the use of government taxes, as part of that definition.

The good in "public good" must be in the public domain not the private, or alternatively of the public as a whole, the definition that the test says is correct fails to include that restriction.

[PhatHead]

Well, okay. I would suggest to you that if you want to rely on an appeal to authority that businessdictionary.com is not exactly a widely accepted authority on anything.

I am not trying to defend the test, and certainly not attacking you, but "public goods" is a widely understood and accepted term in economics. The definition is not at all controversial, and the relationship between public goods and government funding is a pretty bright line between liberal and conservative outlooks. Because of the way it is presented in the quiz, I would be very surprised if I were to learn that the authors are not conservative, because the question and answer, while entirely objectively correct, also support a conservative view.

To suggest that "public goods" are defined by government funding stands a generations-old debate on its head.

Again, what is meant or said or achieved by this quiz is irrelevant, but I'd really recommend that you do a little more reading before you have this discussion with a liberal.