Which political–economic system means the means of production are owned or regulated by the community as a whole?

• A. Communism
• B. Democracy
• C. Socialism
• D. Republic

Answer: (C)

Ownership or control of the means of production by the community signals a socialist approach, because socialism centers on organizing the economy so important resources and industries are owned or managed for the public good rather than for private profit. When the community or the state oversees key industries—like energy, transportation, or healthcare—it aims to ensure equal access, reduce inequality, and plan production to meet social needs rather than maximize individual wealth.

Democracy and republic describe how leaders are elected and how laws are made; they focus on political governance rather than who owns or runs economic resources. Communism also envisions collective ownership, but the phrasing in this context is most commonly associated with socialism, which covers systems where the community or state regulates major means of production while allowing some private property in other areas.