Some economists have argued that market regulation is antithetical to the ideal functioning of a democratic society because it interferes with Line the individual's right to make decisions in his own financial interest. In a regulated market, the citizen is not always at liberty to choose where or how to build his house or whom to hire for his business. If all individuals do not have complete freedom to make economic decisions purely with respect to their own ow self-interest, then a society is not a true democracy. Yet this perspective overlooks the fact that the democratic ideal encompasses two separate, but not mutually exclusive goals:
1) to ensure individual liberty and
2) to promote the overall health and well-being of the population.
Some degree of market regulation may be necessary to fulfill the latter goal, for an individual's exercise of his own liberty can in some instances interfere with the liberty of others.
Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument?
A. Market regulation ensures individual liberty and promotes the overall health and well-being of the population.
B. Market regulation is not automatically at odds with the ideals of a democratic society.
C. Market regulation does not allow individuals to make choices.
D. Market regulation is a necessary precondition for democracy.
E. Market regulation is antithetical to the ideals of a democratic society.