Why is the American economy called a mixed economy?

Question

Why is the American economy called a mixed economy?

Answer 1

I'll add a few publicly funded services:

Fire departments,

Police departments,

Schools (public education systems),

Defense (although Chaney and others are trying to change that)

Public health departments (local and federal... help to stop epidemics, etc)

Medicaid (for elderly Americans)

All these things are exclusively provided by the government as private institutions would lead to market failures that could effect many people otherwise not affected by the situations these institutions mitigate or prevent.

On the other hand, most businesses in USA are privately held. Thus the 'mixed economy' moniker... some private businesses that run alongside public services.

Peace

Answer 2

We have privately owned businesses as well as state owned ones.

United States Postal Service--gov. owned.

FedX--privately owned