In a normally operating free market, prices are determined by mutual voluntary agreement of willing buyers and willing sellers. However, this is an ideal situation that often gets distorted in the real world.
Some speculate that the market will continue to flourish without government involvement. Others claim that government involvement is necessary in order to make businesses act ethically.
Market Economy
CoosMonabowbaie
market
Whig
whigs
The amount of government involvement in the economy.
The Treasury Department's active involvement in the economy.
One essential government role in a market economy is regulation. This allows for competition without monopoly.
The advantages of government involvement in business activities is that it helps regulate the prices of commodities as well as ensure only quality products are in the market. The disadvantages include interference with the business activities and levying high taxes among others.
Laissez faire government is government that stays out of the free market. Laissez faire is French for "let alone".
Private property, specialization, consumer sovereighnty, seller competition, seller profit, voluntary exchange and minimal government involvement.