Which element is essential to form a partnership?

• A. A written partnership agreement required by law.
• B. Registration with the state is required.
• C. A business conducted for profit by two or more persons with contributions and profit sharing.
• D. Limited liability of all partners.

Answer: (C)

A partnership forms when two or more people join to run a for-profit business as co-owners with a share of the profits. This combination—co-ownership by at least two persons in a for-profit venture, with contributions and profit (and loss) sharing—defines what a general partnership is. Written agreements or state registration aren’t required to form it, though they can help govern relations and provide clarity. Limited liability isn’t a feature of a general partnership; partners typically bear personal liability. So the element that best describes what makes a partnership is the arrangement of two or more people operating a for-profit business together with contributions and profit sharing.