Final answer:
Laissez-faire economics can be characterized by several key elements, but government regulation to keep business owners honest is not one of them.
Step-by-step explanation:
Laissez-faire economics, or the concept of hands-off approach to the economy, can be characterized by several key elements. These include the belief that the government should not interfere in the free market, that capitalism is the best economic system, and that individuals should have the right to privately own the factors of production. However, one characteristic that does not align with laissez-faire economics is the belief that government regulation is necessary to keep business owners honest. Laissez-faire proponents argue that self-regulation and market competition would naturally lead to honesty and accountability.