What was a major focus of Gorbachev's Perestroika policy?

Gorbachev's Perestroika policy, which translates to "restructuring," aimed primarily to revive the stagnant Soviet economy through reforms that encouraged elements of a market economy. This included reducing the state’s tight grip on the economy, allowing for limited private enterprise, and decentralizing economic control, which would lead to some aspects of free market practices. The intent behind Perestroika was to improve efficiency and productivity by introducing competition and less bureaucratic oversight.

This approach was revolutionary at the time, as it marked a departure from the strict state-controlled economy that had characterized Soviet policy for decades. Gorbachev believed that these reforms would invigorate the economy and make it more responsive to consumer needs. While the transition to market mechanisms was fraught with challenges and ultimately contributed to significant instability, the emphasis on introducing free market practices remains a core aspect of Perestroika.

The other options do not accurately reflect the goals of Perestroika; political repression was contrary to Gorbachev's aims for openness (glasnost), increased military funding did not align with his push for de-escalation in Cold War tensions, and the expansion of state farms went against the restructuring efforts intended to decentralize and privatize aspects of the economy.