When the theory of mercantilism was superseded by the theory of "classical liberalism" of Adam Smith around the time of the American Revolution,
A) the colonies had shifted toward laissez faire, governmental noninvolvement in the private economy, but the new nation rejected the philosophy of laissez faire.
B) governmental involvement in the private economy persisted in both the colonies and the new nation; the U.S. Constitution adopted the common law from England which sanctioned certain types of governmental involvement.
C) governmental involvement had already been largely abandoned in the colonies and laissez faire was officially adopted by the new nation.
D) government involvement was strong down to the time of the Revolution; it was then abandoned and laissez faire was enshrined in the Constitution and became part of the law of the land.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The transition from mercantilism to classical liberalism marked a shift in economic thought, but it did not result in an immediate or complete abandonment of governmental involvement in the economy. The U.S. Constitution, influenced by common law and the practical needs of a new nation, allowed for certain types of governmental involvement, reflecting a balance between laissez-faire principles and the need for regulation.

When the Theory of Mercantilism Was Superseded by the Theory