46. The German state has many tasks. Which task is one of them?

Answer options

1. It builds roads and schools.
2. It sells food and clothing.
3. It supplies all residents with newspapers free of charge.
4. It manufactures cars and buses.

Explanation

Under the Basic Law, the state—understood as a guarantor and social state (Article 20(1) GG)—is responsible for public services of general interest (Daseinsvorsorge), notably infrastructure and education; road construction (see Article 90 GG) and schools (within the Länder’s cultural sovereignty) are core tasks. The sale of goods or industrial production belongs primarily to the private sector in the social market economy; state-owned enterprises are possible but are not typical state functions. A general free distribution of newspapers would conflict with freedom of the press and state neutrality (Article 5(1) GG), approaching a state press monopoly. Hence the correct answer is that the state builds roads and schools.