Which of the following is essential for a partnership to have?

In a partnership, the fundamental aspect is a mutual profit-sharing agreement between the partners. This agreement outlines how profits and losses will be distributed among the partners, which is a core characteristic that distinguishes partnerships from other business entities. The essence of a partnership hinges on the collaborative effort to generate profit, thus making the mutual arrangement essential for the partnership's operation. Without this agreement, it cannot be considered a traditional partnership, as partnerships are inherently formed for shared economic gain.

The other options do not reflect core requirements of a partnership structure. Articles of incorporation are pertinent to corporations, not partnerships. While having a minimum of two partners is a basic requirement for a partnership to exist, the focus on profit-sharing agreement captures the collaborative spirit of partnerships more directly. A defined corporate structure is also irrelevant, as partnerships may operate with different levels of formality compared to corporations. Therefore, the mutual profit-sharing agreement stands out as the defining element essential for a partnership to exist and operate effectively.