Final answer:
In the provided scenarios, the paper-making corporation’s purchase of forests and the necessity to buy private health insurance are market elements (ME), while the government's decisions on hydropower production and providing free healthcare indicate command elements (CE) of an economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identifying whether each feature is a market element (ME) or a command element (CE) in an economy:A major paper-making corporation buys up many acres of Canada's pine forests. (ME)The Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources decides how much hydropower to produce each year. (CE)Canadians pay higher taxes, so they can receive free healthcare through the government. (CE)Canadians pay lower taxes but also have to buy health insurance from a private company. (ME)
The subject involves understanding the different types of economies and their characteristics. Market-oriented decisions are typically made by private individuals or firms, while command-oriented decisions are put in place by government officials. In this context, the acquisition of forests for paper-making and the purchasing of private health insurance indicate market elements, where private entities make decisions based on market conditions. Conversely, the government's determination of the hydropower production and the provision of government-funded healthcare are reflective of command elements, where decisions are made by the state.