Question

the navigation act of 1660
and it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that... no sugars, tobacco, cotton - wool, indigo, ginger, fustic or other dying wood, of growth, production, or manufacture of any english plantations in america, asia, or africa, shall be shipped, carried, conveyed, or transported, from any of the said english plantations to any land, island, territory, dominion, port or place whatsoever, other than to such other english plantations (colonies) as do belong to his majesty... under the penalty of the forfeiture of said goods, or the full value thereof, and also the ship, with all her guns, tackle, apparel, ammunition and furniture.
navigation act of 1696
...be it enacted... no goods or merchandises whatsoever shall be imported into, or exported out of, any colony or plantation... or carried from any one port or place in the said colonies or plantations to any other... in any ship or bottom but what is or shall be of the built of england... or the said colonies or plantations, and wholly owned by the people thereof.
sawers, larry. \the navigation acts revisited.\ economic history review (1992): 262 - 294.
what economic system do the above laws reinforce?
elimination tool
select one answer
a mercantilism
b capitalism
c the plantation system
d socialism

Explanation:

The Navigation Acts (1660, 1696) restricted colonial trade to benefit the mother country (England), which is a key feature of mercantilism (aiming to increase a nation's wealth via trade regulations, colonial resource exploitation, and favorable trade balances). Capitalism emphasizes private ownership and free markets (not strict trade restrictions), the plantation system is an agricultural system (not an economic system), and socialism focuses on public ownership/equality (not colonial mercantilist policies). So the laws reinforce mercantilism.

Answer:

A. Mercantilism