Which societal system prioritizes individual profit and minimal government intervention?

The correct answer is capitalism, which is characterized by its emphasis on individual profit and minimal government intervention in the economy. In a capitalist system, private individuals or businesses own the means of production and are driven by the pursuit of profit. This leads to a marketplace where supply and demand determine prices, resources are allocated based on competition, and entrepreneurs are incentivized to innovate and improve efficiency for personal gain.

Capitalism operates on the principle that economic freedom ultimately leads to prosperity and wealth creation, benefiting individuals and society as a whole. This model contrasts with systems where the government plays a more significant role in controlling resources or redistributing wealth, aiming to achieve a larger social goal, like equity or social welfare.

In this context, socialism, welfare capitalism, and state capitalism involve various levels of government intervention in the economy, whether through ownership of resources, provision of social services, or regulatory frameworks. However, capitalism distinctly stands out by advocating for a free market with minimal state interference, allowing individual profit motives to drive economic growth.