In a capitalist society like the United States, the government takes on functions like what and private businesses pick up everything left over?

(1 point)
A. • entertainment and agriculture
B. • the military and infrastructure
C. • healthcare and customer safety
D. • labor and consumerism

B. • the military and infrastructure

In a capitalist society like the United States, the government typically takes on functions such as maintaining the military and infrastructure. Private businesses pick up everything left over, including areas such as entertainment, agriculture, healthcare, customer safety, labor, and consumerism. However, it is important to note that the specific functions of the government and private businesses can vary and are subject to change depending on various factors and policies in place.

In a capitalist society like the United States, the government takes on functions such as providing infrastructure and maintaining the military. Private businesses, on the other hand, pick up everything else. This includes areas such as entertainment, agriculture, healthcare, customer safety, labor, and consumerism.

To arrive at the correct answer, it's important to understand the basic principles of capitalism. In a capitalist system, the means of production and distribution of goods and services are mostly owned and controlled by private individuals or corporations, rather than being owned by the state or government. Private businesses operate for profit and compete with one another in the marketplace.

Government, in a capitalist society, typically focuses on enforcing the rule of law, maintaining public order, and providing essential public goods and services that are not efficiently provided by the private sector. These government functions often include areas like defense (military), building and maintaining infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.), and sometimes public education.

The options provided in the question are:

A. Entertainment and agriculture: While these are important industries in the United States, they are primarily operated by private businesses rather than being taken on by the government.

B. The military and infrastructure: This option correctly identifies two significant functions primarily undertaken by the government in a capitalist society like the United States. The military is responsible for national defense, and infrastructure refers to the basic physical structures and systems needed for the functioning of society (e.g., roads, bridges, utilities).

C. Healthcare and customer safety: While the government may have some involvement in healthcare, such as Medicare and Medicaid programs, it is not a universal function of the government in a capitalist system. Private businesses, including hospitals and insurance companies, play a significant role. Similarly, ensuring customer safety is primarily the responsibility of businesses, with government oversight through regulations and consumer protection agencies.

D. Labor and consumerism: These are aspects that are generally addressed by the private sector rather than being taken on by the government.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is B. The military and infrastructure.