Which of the following allocation strategies does NOT involve competition among recipients?

The answer is correct because a lottery is a method of allocation that is based purely on chance rather than competition among individuals. In this strategy, recipients are selected randomly from a pool of applicants, meaning that each participant has an equal opportunity to win regardless of their status, actions, or how quickly they respond.

In contrast, the other allocation methods each involve some level of competition among recipients. The "first come, first served" approach rewards those who arrive or respond first, creating a race among potential recipients. The "authority" method involves a governing body or individual making decisions about allocation, which can create competition depending on how recipients are evaluated. The "force" strategy implies a coercive allocation of resources, which inherently involves conflict or competition for those resources.

Thus, the lottery is distinct because it eliminates competition and instead relies on the randomness of selection.