One of the most important characteristics of a market economy, also called a free enterprise economy, is the role of a limited government. Most economic decisions are made by buyers and sellers, not the government. A competitive market economy promotes the efficient use of its resources. It is a self-regulating and self-adjusting economy. No significant economic role for government is necessary. However, a number of limitations and undesirable outcomes associated with the market system result in an active, but limited economic role for government.