What is the primary role of competition in a market economy?

The primary role of competition in a market economy is to encourage efficiency, innovation, and lower prices for consumers. This stems from the fundamental principle that when multiple businesses vie for the same customers, they are incentivized to optimize their operations and offer better products or services.

Competition compels firms to reduce costs, improve quality, and innovate in ways that meet consumer demands more effectively. For consumers, this results in a wider array of choices and often better prices, as companies strive to attract and retain customers.

In competitive markets, if a company fails to offer a desirable product or fails to be price-competitive, consumers can easily turn to other options. This dynamic fosters a vibrant market where businesses constantly seek to improve and differentiate themselves, benefiting the overall economy as well as consumers. Thus, choice C encapsulates the essence of how competition drives progress and consumer welfare in a market economy.