What is the primary premise of socialism as an economic system?

The primary premise of socialism as an economic system is that the government plays a significant role in the ownership and regulation of businesses and resources. In socialism, it is generally accepted that some businesses should be owned or controlled by the government to ensure equitable distribution of wealth and resources among the population. This approach aims to reduce inequality and provide public services, addressing the needs of the community rather than allowing profit maximization to dominate.

In socialism, while not all businesses need to be government-owned, key industries and services that are considered crucial for public welfare—such as healthcare, education, transportation, and utilities—are often managed by the state. This is intended to prioritize societal benefit over individual gain. Thus, the approach advocates for collective management and can vary in the degree of government control based on the specific socialist ideology followed.

The other options present concepts that are contrary to or not fully representative of socialism. For instance, the idea of all businesses being privately owned contradicts the core principles of socialism, which emphasizes collective and governmental ownership. Similarly, suggesting that all businesses should be collectively owned might not capture the nuances seen in various forms of socialism where some businesses can operate under different ownership arrangements, including government ownership. Minimal government involvement outlines a free-market economy more typical of