Which of the following is a way the government can reduce the wealth gap in a mixed market economy?

• A. Implement progressive taxation and redistribute income through social welfare programs
• B. Reduce public spending on education and healthcare
• C. Eliminate all government regulations on businesses
• D. Subsidize only luxury goods for high-income households

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the wealth gap, which refers to the unequal distribution of assets and income among individuals or groups in an economy.
2. Recognize that in a mixed market economy, the government can intervene to influence income distribution through policies such as taxation and social welfare programs.
3. Identify that progressive taxation means taxing higher incomes at higher rates, which helps reduce income inequality by redistributing wealth from richer to poorer individuals.
4. Understand that redistributing income through social welfare programs provides financial support or services to lower-income households, further reducing the wealth gap.
5. Evaluate the other options and realize that reducing public spending on education and healthcare, eliminating regulations, or subsidizing luxury goods for the wealthy would likely increase or maintain the wealth gap rather than reduce it.