Liberty and freedom are core principles of the U.S. political and economic system. The U.S. employs a free-market, capitalist system. Free markets are noted by fewer regulations and a wide range of freedom for those in the market. Capitalism is a free market system that allows and promotes the individual building and owning of wealth. In its purest form, capitalism is denoted by these characteristics:

• Private Property drives capitalism and is encouraged for all participants.
• The free market's supply and demand determine the price of goods and the cost of production.
• The consumer is king. Through their buying power, consumers dictate the type and amount of good made and sold.
• Profits are also king. The hope of making money or making more money drives investors into the system, thus promoting growth.
• No regulations. Pure capitalism would have no regulations, but in the U.S. system, regulations protect the free market and the consumer.