What allocation method distributes resources according to those who arrive first?

The allocation method that distributes resources according to those who arrive first is indeed the first come, first served approach. This method prioritizes individuals or groups based on the order in which they request or arrive for a resource, ensuring that those who are prompt and early in their demands receive access before later comers. This mechanism is commonly seen in various contexts, such as ticket sales, service queues, and many scenarios in everyday life where immediate access is granted based on arrival time.

The effectiveness of this method lies in its simplicity and fairness in treating all individuals equally, as it does not depend on any other criteria such as wealth, need, or random chance. It encourages punctuality and can lead to efficient usage of resources since they are allocated in an orderly manner.

In contrast, the other allocation methods are based on different principles—majority rule emphasizes decision-making based on group consensus, authority relies on designated leaders or governing bodies to allocate resources, and lottery is based on random selection, rather than order of arrival. These methods are suited for different situations but do not align with the principle of first come, first served.