Which of the following is NOT a qualifier for the three economic questions?

The correct answer focuses on the role of government regulation in economic questions. In economics, the foundational questions revolve around what to produce, how to produce, and for whom to produce. These questions do not inherently depend on government regulations; rather, they can be analyzed under various market conditions, including competitive markets and the presence or absence of externalities.

Competitive markets and the absence of externalities are crucial qualifiers because they define the basic assumptions under which economic theories operate. Competitive markets ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, while the absence of externalities suggests that all costs and benefits are reflected in market prices, allowing for an accurate reflection of supply and demand.

Distribution of income is also a relevant consideration, as it impacts the "for whom to produce" aspect of the economic questions. The way income is distributed in society can influence demand for goods and services.

In contrast, government regulation does not qualify as a fundamental aspect of these economic questions. While it can shape and influence the answers to them, it exists outside the core framework of decision-making that those questions address. Therefore, it is accurately identified as not being a qualifier for the three economic questions.