What characterizes a partnership?

A partnership is characterized by the shared ownership between two or more individuals who come together to conduct business. This sharing of ownership means that partners collaborate in making decisions, sharing profits, and managing the business operations. In a partnership, each partner typically brings unique skills, resources, and perspectives, which can enhance the business's potential for success.

The other options do not align with the defining traits of a partnership. For example, a single owner pertains to sole proprietorships, where one individual takes full control of the business. Partnerships can consist of a variety of individuals, not limited to family members; they can include friends, colleagues, or even strangers who share a common business goal. Additionally, it is important to understand that in many types of partnerships, partners may indeed have personal liability for business debts, which distinguishes them from corporations that offer limited liability protection to their owners. Hence, the definition of a partnership fundamentally revolves around the idea of shared ownership rather than these other characteristics.