In a limited partnership, what distinguishes a limited partner?

In a limited partnership, a limited partner is defined primarily by their financial investment and the extent of their liability in the partnership. The correct answer highlights that limited partners possess limited liability, meaning they are not personally responsible for the debts and obligations of the partnership beyond their investment. This is a crucial distinction because it protects the personal assets of the limited partner from being targeted for the partnership's debts.

Additionally, limited partners do not have a say in the day-to-day management or decision-making processes of the partnership, which aligns with the concept of limited liability. Their role is primarily to provide capital and benefit from the profits, without the risks associated with management control. This separation of roles between general partners, who manage the business and assume unlimited liability, and limited partners, who contribute capital and enjoy limited liability, is a foundational principle in the structure of limited partnerships.

The other options describe characteristics more aligned with general partners or misrepresent the nature of limited partnerships, which helps clarify why the correct answer effectively captures the essence of a limited partner's role and protections within the partnership structure.