USA HISTORY

WESTWARD EXPANSION INDUSTRIALIZATION URBANIZATION 1870 1900

AMERICAN INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT IN THE GILDED AGE

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
According to laissez-faire, what was the role of the government in the economic matters?
A
to protect workers and consumers
B
to enfore the Sherman Anti-Trust Act
C
to tax the profits of big business
D
to stay out of the affairs of business
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -The function of the state was to maintain order and security and to avoid interference with the initiative of individuals in pursuit of their own desired goals. But laissez-faire advocates nonetheless argued that government had an essential role in enforcing contracts as well as ensuring civil order.

Detailed explanation-2: -In laissez-faire policy, the government’s role is to protect the rights of the individual, rather than regulating business in any way. The term ‘laissez-faire’ translates to ‘leave alone’ when it comes to economic intervention. This means no taxes, regulations, or tariffs.

Detailed explanation-3: -We know Adam Smith today as the father of laissez faire ("to leave alone") economics. This is the idea that government should leave the economy alone and not interfere with the “natural course” of free markets and free trade.

Detailed explanation-4: -Laissez-faire leaders have an attitude of trust and reliance on their employees. They don’t micromanage or get too involved, they don’t give too much instruction or guidance. Instead laissez-faire leaders let their employees use their creativity, resources, and experience to help them meet their goals.

Detailed explanation-5: -Laissez-faire capitalism is a hypothetical economic system in which government’s role would be restricted to protecting private property and enforcing contracts.

There is 1 question to complete.