Economists describe the US economy as a mixed-market economy.

 A mixed-market economy is one that features characteristics of both capitalism and socialism. This means that it incorporates elements of free markets and government intervention. In the case of the US economy, it is largely based on the principles of a market economy where private individuals and businesses make the majority of decisions regarding what products to produce, how to produce them, and for whom they are produced. Prices are determined largely by supply and demand in a relatively free market.

However, the "mixed" part of the mixed-market economy comes into play with the significant role that the US government plays in regulating and overseeing economic activity. This includes but is not limited to:

- Enforcing antitrust laws to prevent monopolies and encourage competition. - Providing a social safety net, including programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. - Regulating industries that affect public welfare, such as transportation, energy, and finance. - Providing public goods and services, such as national defense, law enforcement, infrastructure, and education.

Thus, while the US economy is market-oriented, it is not a pure market economy. The government's role is to support the market where it does not deliver efficient outcomes on its own and to ensure that societal goals, such as environmental protection and equal opportunities, are achieved.