A major feature of the socialist economic system is

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for a major feature of a socialist economic system. This means we need to recall how socialism answers the basic economic questions: what to produce, how to produce, and for whom.

Step 2: Explain the concept In a socialist economy:

• The government or state owns the major means of production (land, factories, mines, etc.).
• Central planning authorities decide what, how much, and for whom to produce.
• Prices are mostly set or controlled by the state, not by the market.
• The aim is to reduce inequality and distribute wealth more evenly.

In contrast, a capitalist (free market) economy has private ownership, consumer sovereignty, and prices determined by demand and supply.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Setting of production targets by public authorities. This matches central planning, a core feature of socialism. ✔
• B. Freedom of choice for consumers. This is a feature of capitalism, where consumers are sovereign. ✘
• C. Determination of price by market forces. This is the price mechanism of a market economy. ✘
• D. Private ownership of productive inputs. This is the opposite of socialism, which favors public or state ownership. ✘

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A: setting of production targets by public authorities.

Tip: Link socialism with words like "state," "government," "planning," and "targets." Link capitalism with "private," "market," "profit," and "consumer choice." If an option mentions government control, it is likely the socialist feature.