How do government controls, like price ceilings and floors, affect markets?

Price ceilings set a maximum price so essential goods remain affordable; however, if the ceiling is below the market equilibrium, it can cause shortages because sellers may not supply enough. Price floors set a minimum price to protect producers; if set above equilibrium, they can create surpluses because demand falls. Governments use these controls to protect consumers or producers, but they must be designed carefully to avoid long-term supply or distribution problems.