Which economic policy involves the government dictating significant aspects of a nation's economic activities?

The choice of a command-and-control economy accurately reflects a system where the government exerts substantial control over the economic activities within the nation. In this economic framework, the government is responsible for making critical decisions regarding production, pricing, and distribution of goods and services. Rather than allowing market forces and private enterprises to operate freely, a command-and-control approach involves regulations and directives that dictate how resources are allocated and how businesses function. This type of economy is often associated with centrally planned systems, where government officials assume responsibility for economic strategies to achieve specific goals.

In contrast, other economic systems such as mixed economies allow for a combination of government intervention and free market principles, with varying degrees of government influence. Laissez-faire economies prioritize minimal government involvement, promoting free market conditions where supply and demand determine outcomes. Free-market economies emphasize individual and corporate freedom with limited government interference. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why command-and-control is the appropriate selection for the question concerning government dictation of economic activities.