Answer the following questions in two to three sentences, drawing exclusively from the provided source material.

1. What was the central belief of the Mercantile System, and why does Mill consider it a “palpable absurdity”?
2. How does Mill distinguish between the laws of Production and the laws of Distribution?
3. According to the source, what are the three elements that determine the productiveness of a community’s labor?
4. What is the “law of the increase of production from land,” and why is it considered the most important proposition in political economy?
5. Describe the “cottier tenancy” system and explain why Mill believes it creates a situation “devoid of motives to either labour or self-command.”
6. What is the “stationary state,” and why does Mill view it as a potential improvement on the “progressive state”?
7. What two conditions does Mill argue are necessary to prevent poverty and misery for the mass of mankind, regardless of whether the economic system is Communism or one of private property?
8. Mill identifies two conflicting theories regarding the social position of manual laborers. What are they?
9. What are the two forms of partnership Mill predicts will gradually supersede the relation of masters and work-people?
10. What is the difference between authoritative and non-authoritative government intervention?