Which of the Following Statements Best Expresses Why Economic Efficiency

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best expresses why economic efficiency should be society's first goal?

A) Efficiency gives the poor an incentive to improve their economic status.
B) Since the consensus on what is a fair distribution of goods is impossible, efficiency is the next best goal.
C) People are not really concerned about the problems of the poor, so government must address them instead.
D) Efficiency maximizes total economic surplus and thereby allows other goals to be more easily achieved.