What incentive might a national government have for improving education and literacy in their country?

a
educated populations do not need to trade with other countries.

b
educated populations have a higher standard of living than uneducated populations.

c
educated populations are less likely to distrust the government.

d
educated populations produce more agricultural goods than uneducated populations.

In the present world economy, a population well educated with a college education is necessary to technological growth and economic development of the country. Since we can correlate a higher standard of living, i.e. better wages and living conditions, to a more rich and diverse economy that needs a good education for technological development, the correct answer is B.

The first and third statements are not logical. Education doesn't eliminate the need for trade; peoples need to trade to get what they don't have or don't produce -- education can at most reduce need of trade. As for trusting the government, in reality, more educated people are usually better prepared to criticize the government.

The fourth statement doesn't fit every reality. Most of the time national governments improve education to produce industrialized goods, not agricultural ones.