Which term describes the economic policy that aims to maximize a nation's wealth by exporting more than it imports?

Which term describes the economic policy that aims to maximize a nation's wealth by exporting more than it imports?

• A. Capitalism
• B. Mercantilism
• C. Mercantile
• D. Liberalism

Answer: (B)

Mercantilism centers on increasing a nation’s wealth by achieving a trade surplus—exporting more than it imports—and by accumulating precious metals as a sign of strength. It treats wealth as finite and emphasizes government-led measures to strengthen the economy: tariffs, subsidies for exports, restrictions on imports, and often colony-based trade to secure raw materials. This combination of exporting more than buying from others and piling up wealth through state policy uniquely matches the description in the question. Capitalism focuses on market-driven exchange with private property; liberalism highlights individual rights and free markets; mercantile is not the standard term used for this doctrine.

Mercantilism centers on increasing a nation’s wealth by achieving a trade surplus—exporting more than it imports—and by accumulating precious metals as a sign of strength. It treats wealth as finite and emphasizes government-led measures to strengthen the economy: tariffs, subsidies for exports, restrictions on imports, and often colony-based trade to secure raw materials. This combination of exporting more than buying from others and piling up wealth through state policy uniquely matches the description in the question. Capitalism focuses on market-driven exchange with private property; liberalism highlights individual rights and free markets; mercantile is not the standard term used for this doctrine.