A city government spends $20 million to build a new public bridge. In the same year, a private toll company spends $20 million to build a new private bridge, which then collects $3 million in tolls from drivers. How would these two separate activities be reflected in the calculation of the nation's total economic output for that year?

Debate on National Accounting Standards

Evaluating Government Spending in National Accounts

Which of the following government outlays is directly included in the calculation of a nation's total economic output as a final expenditure?

When calculating a nation's total economic output, the value of services provided by the government, such as public education and national defense, is estimated based on their market price, similar to how private sector services are valued.