The correct answer is: all of the above.
Government intervention in the economy can be motivated by various reasons, including:
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Income Distribution: To address inequalities in income and wealth, governments may implement policies like progressive taxation and social welfare programs.
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Macroeconomic Growth and Stability: Governments intervene to foster economic growth, stabilize the economy during recessions or booms, and manage inflation.
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Merit Goods: These are goods that are deemed socially desirable, such as education and healthcare, which may be underprovided in a purely free market. Governments often step in to ensure they are available to all.
Thus, all these factors contribute to the rationale for government intervention in the economy.