Question

when it spends money on education, a government is trying to
find a way to meet a social need.
encourage immediate economic growth.
meet a social need and improve the economy.
find a way to spend budget surpluses

Explanation:

Government spending on education addresses the social need for an educated population (e.g., personal development, informed citizens) and also improves the economy long - term by creating a skilled workforce, increasing productivity, and driving innovation. The first option is too narrow as it ignores the economic impact. Encouraging immediate economic growth is incorrect as education's economic benefits are long - term. Spending budget surpluses is not the main goal of education spending.

Answer:

C. meet a social need and improve the economy.