ELI5 Bailouts - why don't governments own the companies they bail out?

What exactly is a bailout and how does it work? If a company gets bailed out with taxpayer money, shouldn’t the public now own it? Why do governments often choose to bail out banks? Why don't they just let them go under? How do CEOs from failing companies bailout with golden parachutes? Where does the money come from? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: leokz145, max_p0wer, effofexisy, dirt_mcgirt, dawnoftheshred, vivekparam, dudeitsmeee To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Send us an e-mail: [email protected]