In a mixed economy, the role of government primarily involves balancing the rights of individuals with the needs of society. This includes regulating markets to prevent monopolies, providing public goods and services, ensuring economic stability, and addressing inequality.
While the government may have some influence over production through regulations and policies (like environmental standards, labor laws, and safety regulations), it does not typically dictate what is made and how much of it is made in the same way a command economy would. Instead, the market largely determines production decisions, with the government intervening as necessary to promote the public interest and mitigate market failures.
In summary, the role of government in a mixed economy is to ensure that individual freedoms are protected while also addressing broader societal needs, rather than outright control over production.