Final answer:
A general partnership and a limited partnership differ in terms of liability, number of partners, duration, and capital contribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
A general partnership and a limited partnership differ in the following ways:
- The liability of partners: In a general partnership, all partners have unlimited liability for the business's debts and obligations. This means that their personal assets can be used to satisfy any debts. In a limited partnership, there are both general partners (who have unlimited liability) and limited partners (who have limited liability). Limited partners are only liable for the amount of their capital contribution.
- The number of partners: A general partnership requires at least two partners, while a limited partnership requires at least one general partner and one limited partner.
- The duration of the partnership: A general partnership and a limited partnership can both exist for an indefinite period of time. However, a limited partnership may have provisions in the partnership agreement that specify a limited duration.
- The capital contribution of partners: In a general partnership, partners contribute capital to the business in equal or agreed-upon proportions. In a limited partnership, general partners must contribute capital, but limited partners may or may not contribute capital.