In the soviet union, a factory would be owned by the government, and in the united states, a factory would most likely owned by a. the government b. a non-profit organization or charity c. an individual or corporation d. the state

Option C. an individual or corporation. This implies private ownership which is one of the main characteristics of a market system or capitalism.

The question is focused on the economic system that prevails in the Soviet Union and in the United States.  

In a comunist country such as the Soviet Union the state most likely will own and control all resources: land, capital goods (including technology) and labor (work).

In contrast, in a capitalist country such as the United States the economic system is characterized by private land ownership.  Capitalism is also known as a market system. This type of economic system promotes competitive markets which encourage private ownership of business in the quest to generate profits.  

the correct answer is:

b) a rich merchant.