Final answer:
No, free-market capitalism and laissez-faire capitalism are not essentially the same thing. Free-market capitalism is an economic system where the forces of supply and demand operate without government intervention. Laissez-faire capitalism, on the other hand, is an economic policy that advocates for minimal government intervention and regulation in the economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, free-market capitalism and laissez-faire capitalism are not essentially the same thing. Free-market capitalism is an economic system where the forces of supply and demand operate without government intervention. Laissez-faire capitalism, on the other hand, is an economic policy that advocates for minimal government intervention and regulation in the economy. While both emphasize the importance of free markets, laissez-faire capitalism specifically calls for limited government involvement.