Private property rights are fundamental to which economic system?

• A. Socialism
• B. Capitalism
• C. Communism
• D. Feudalism

Answer: (B)

Private property rights are fundamental to capitalism because this economic system revolves around the ownership of resources by individuals or businesses. In capitalism, individuals have the legal right to possess, use, manage, and transfer property as they see fit, which encourages investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. This ownership structure facilitates a competitive market where goods and services are provided based on supply and demand, allowing individuals to pursue their economic interests while contributing to overall economic growth.

In contrast, socialism and communism involve varying degrees of collective or state ownership of resources, where the emphasis is placed on communal benefit rather than individual property rights. Feudalism, while historically significant, is characterized by a hierarchical system of land ownership and obligations, rather than the individual rights central to a capitalist economy. Thus, the emphasis on private property rights is what distinctly aligns capitalism with the concept of economic freedom and personal responsibility.