Which of the following promotes private ownership of properties?

1. Analyze the question The question asks which system promotes private ownership of properties. So we are looking for the ideology or economic system that encourages individuals and private firms to own land, businesses, and wealth.

2. Explain the concepts

• Communalism: Land and resources are owned by the whole community or family group, not individuals.
• Socialism: The state or the community owns and controls the major means of production and distribution, in order to reduce inequality.
• Feudalism: Land is owned by a lord or monarch, and vassals or peasants use it in return for service and loyalty. Ownership is concentrated in the ruling class, not open to private individuals in general.
• Capitalism: Individuals and private companies own property and the means of production. Economic decisions are driven by market forces and the profit motive, with minimal government interference.

3. Step-by-step solution

1. Communalism → collective ownership, so it is eliminated.
2. Socialism → state or public ownership, so it is eliminated.
3. Feudalism → ownership is held by lords or the crown, so it is not a system promoting widespread private ownership.
4. Capitalism → private ownership is its defining feature.

4. Answer The correct option is D. Capitalism.

5. Exam tip Match the keyword to the system:

• Communalism → Community owns
• Socialism → State owns
• Capitalism → Citizens (private individuals) own

Whenever you see "private ownership," "profit motive," or "free market," think capitalism.