Final answer:
The efficient allocation of resources in the US is achieved through capitalism and democracy, with market forces guiding resource distribution, although this system faces challenges during resource scarcity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mechanism that fosters efficient allocation of resources in the US is a combination of capitalism and democracy. In a capitalist economy, resources, including money and quality teachers, are allocated through market forces based on supply and demand. This market-based system often leads to the efficient allocation of resources, optimizing according to popular demand. However, this does not guarantee equitable distribution, as seen in the variance of educational outcomes where access to resources has been identified as a determinant of student performance. Historical data shows that the United States, despite making up a small percentage of the global population, has had significant consumption levels of energy resources, underlying its global influence and geopolitics. In scenarios of resource scarcity, such as those posed by droughts, the efficiency of this system is challenged and requires strategic policy approaches to manage these shortages without sacrificing democratic values.