DECA Marketing Cluster Practice Exam

What is a bilateral contract?

1. A contract involving multiple parties

2. An agreement binding only one party

3. A reciprocal arrangement between two parties

4. A verbal agreement without written documentation

The correct answer is: A reciprocal arrangement between two parties

A bilateral contract is defined as a reciprocal arrangement between two parties wherein each party commits to fulfilling specific obligations to the other. This means that both parties are bound by the promises they make in the agreement. For example, if one party agrees to provide a service while the other agrees to pay for that service, both parties are legally obligated to their respective roles in the transaction. This type of contract contrasts with other forms of agreements. A contract involving multiple parties would not specifically be bilateral as it requires at least two parties but may include more, which changes the dynamics of obligations. An agreement binding only one party describes a unilateral contract, where only one party makes a promise, and the other party does not have any corresponding obligation. Lastly, a verbal agreement without written documentation can exist, but it does not define the nature of the contract type; both unilateral and bilateral contracts can be verbal, but the term "bilateral" emphasizes the mutual obligations rather than the format of the agreement.