Economic systems as a type of social system must confront and solve the three fundamental economic problems: * What kinds and quantities of goods shall be produced, "how much and which of alternative goods and services shall be produced?" * How shall goods be produced? ..by whom and with what resources (using what technology)...?" * For whom are the goods or services produced? Who benefits? Samuelson rephrased this question as "how is the total of the national product to be distributed among different individuals and families?"