Economic system also called command economy or Marxism

Economic system (also called command economy or Marxism). The major resources and production are owned and controlled by the government. Theory: Equal sharing of work, needs, and benefits. Economic system (also called market economy or freeenterprise). Private individuals and businesses own the means of production and carry on an exchange of goods and services through supply and demand.

Government decides what to make, how much to make, what to charge, and how long it should take. Individuals or companies decide what to make, charge, etc. Consumers will pay for quality and value.

Materials are not always available to produce the desire product. Materials are abundant. Materials can be bought for a price

Land companies are owned by the government. Government makes all the profit to share equally to all the people Land companies are individually owned or owned by a group of individuals (stock holders)

Workers are assigned jobs for the government’s needs not necessarily ability. Workers choose where to work. Companies decide who to hire. Either party can terminate employment

No competition – Only what the government provides is available. Competition brings a variety of products and better prices

Long lines, shortages, high prices, and little variety Supermarkets

Black market trades in consumer goods Black market deals in illegal items

No freedom of speech, movement, or assembly Freedom of speech, movement, and assembly

No incentive to work. Workers are paid equally regardless of production Paid by quality and production

Focus is often on quantity rather than quality. People will buy products that are well made at a fair price. Supply and Demand

1 party government (Socialist) examples: North Korea, Cuba, and Vietnam At least a two party government (Democracy) examples: USA, UK, Germany, and Australia

The group is very important – one does what is going to help the whole society. Classless society. No competition. No unemployment – government gives jobs to all Focus on heavy industry (factories and mines) not light industry (consumer goods) Quantity over Quality sometimes caused serious pollution problems. Goal during the Cold War was to be #1 in industry, space, and weapons.

Individual rights – Usually a constitution with a bill of rights Government’s role is to help trade and protect people US produces enough food to feed the entire world US has some of the most expensive workers in the world – unions, minimum wage, pollution controls, work place conditions Goal during the Cold War was to stay one step ahead of the Communists.