Which resource allocation method is often used in central planning?

In central planning, government directives serve as the primary method for resource allocation. This approach entails a centralized authority making decisions regarding the distribution of resources, production targets, and overall economic planning, often aiming to achieve specific social or economic goals. Under central planning, the government typically outlines how much of each good or service should be produced, the prices at which they should be sold, and how resources should be allocated among various sectors.

Unlike market forces, which rely on supply and demand interactions among consumers and businesses, central planning bypasses these dynamics by implementing decisions from a top-down perspective. While community consultations may contribute to policy-making in some contexts, they do not represent the structured approach typical in fully centralized economies. Furthermore, international agreements often focus on trade and cooperation between nations but do not directly dictate internal resource allocation within a country. Hence, the reliance on direct government intervention and directives in central planning makes this answer the most suitable choice.