A system of government which is based on public ownership of means of production and distribution is called

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the system based on public ownership of the means of production and distribution (factories, land, farms, markets, transport, etc.).

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• Socialism: The state or the community as a whole owns and controls the major means of production and distribution. The aim is to reduce inequality and share wealth more evenly.
• Capitalism: Individuals or private firms own the means of production, and the goal is profit. This is the opposite of public ownership.
• Feudalism: A medieval system in which land was held by lords who gave portions to vassals in exchange for service and loyalty. It is not based on public ownership.
• Oligarchy: Rule by a small group of people, often the wealthy or powerful. It describes who holds political power, not how the economy is owned.

Step 3: Eliminate the wrong options

• B is wrong because capitalism means private ownership.
• C is wrong because feudalism is based on land held in return for service.
• D is wrong because oligarchy is about rule by a few, not economic ownership.

Step 4: Answer The phrase "public ownership of means of production and distribution" is the standard textbook definition of socialism.

Tip: Link keywords to systems:

• "Public/state ownership" → Socialism
• "Private ownership/profit" → Capitalism
• "Land for service" → Feudalism
• "Rule by a few" → Oligarchy