Final answer:
A monopoly often results from government influence or significant barriers to entry and is considered true. Monopolies, such as natural and government-created ones, can wield significant power and influence on a market, leading to government regulation to ensure consumer and market protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that it is unusual for a monopoly to occur without the influence of government or other businesses is true. A monopoly exists when a single company or entity has exclusive control over a commodity or service in a market, allowing it to manipulate prices due to a lack of competition. Examples of monopolies include the U.S. Postal Service, and utility companies like electric and garbage collection services. There are two main types of monopolies: natural monopolies and government monopolies. Natural monopolies occur in industries where high infrastructure costs and other barriers to entry prevent competition, such as in public water services. Conversely, government monopolies can be created through government actions like issuing patents, which grant a company exclusive rights to a new product or service. Both types of monopolies may require government regulation to prevent exploitation of consumers. Government & Business Regulations have evolved from an initial laissez-faire approach to increased intervention to control the growth of corporate power and protect consumers and the market. Examples of such regulation include anti-trust laws and price cap regulation. These governmental actions are designed to maintain competition in markets and prevent the negative effects of monopolies.