USCIS Civics Practice Test 2025 – Complete Guide for Exam Prep

The economic system in the United States is characterized as a capitalist economy. This means that the production of goods and services is predominantly owned and operated by private individuals and businesses for profit, rather than being controlled by the state. In a capitalist economy, the market largely determines prices, production, and the distribution of goods, leading to a competitive marketplace where businesses strive to innovate and improve their offerings.

The principles of capitalism encourage entrepreneurship, allowing individuals the freedom to create businesses, invest, and engage in economic activities with minimal interference from the government. This system promotes consumer choice and can lead to economic growth, as well as providing opportunities for individuals to improve their economic status through their efforts.

In contrast, the other economic systems mentioned, such as socialism and communism, involve significant government control of resources and the economy. A socialist economy typically emphasizes state ownership and the provision of services to ensure equality, while a communist economy advocates for a classless society with communal ownership of all property. The feudal economy, which is an outdated system, was characterized by a rigid hierarchical structure of land ownership and obligations.

The capitalist framework of the U.S. economy has historically been associated with individual freedoms and innovation, contributing to its dynamic and diverse economic environment.