In the Tragedy of the Commons, joint action among the individual citizens would be necessary to solve their common resource problem unless the government intervenes.

Tragedy of the Commons

A situation where individuals, acting independently according to their own self-interest, deplete or spoil shared resources, leading to long-term negative outcomes for the whole community.

Joint Action

Refers to the collaborative efforts or initiatives taken by groups or entities to achieve a common goal.

Common Resource

A type of good that is non-excludable and rivalrous, meaning it is difficult to prevent anyone from using it, but one person's use diminishes the quantity or quality available to others.