Communist Dictatorship Versus Communist Countries China Vietnam Cuba

Communist Dictatorship Versus Communist Countries: China, Vietnam, Cuba, North Korea, Soviet Union (in the past) Capitalist Democracy Democratic Countries: United States, France, Great Britain, Australia Governments • Communist governments are often led by a small group of people who make all the political decisions. They have nearly unlimited power. • Democratic governments are often divided into different branches that have checks and balances. • These leaders are not elected. • Political leaders are elected • You can be sent to jail for an undetermined period of time without a trial • You cannot be sent to prison without a trial and proper legal representation • The government uses terror to enforce it’s will. Economy • Government owns factories and farms and decides what each will produce. Products are often in short supply and of very poor quality. • Private citizens own factories and farms and can make or grow whatever they choose. Factories and farms are very efficient. Personal Liberty • Organized religion is discouraged. Many churches are closed. People who attend church are distrusted by the government • Religious freedom. You may choose to go to whatever church you wish. • People who criticize the government or it’s policies are punished. • Freedom of speech – You can criticize the government or president without being punished. This is your right. • Newspapers write whatever they wish • Newspapers write what the government tells them to. • In communist countries, you must obtain permission before moving. • You may only read books permitted by the government. • In Democratic countries, you may live wherever you wish and move whenever you choose • The government often determines what job you have and what your wages will be • You may read whatever you choose. • Health care provided for free • You can work at whichever job you want or the one that pays you the most. • Gun ownership is forbidden • You must pay for health care • Gun ownership is allowed

Communism Versus Democracy Interview a parent or other adult and note their answers to the following questions 1. What is one interesting/disturbing/humorous fact that you know about Communism? 2. What is one way that Communist countries and Democratic countries differ? 3. Were you ever worried about the possibility of a nuclear war occurring between the Soviet Union and the United States? Did you think it was likely?