Competing Economic Systems Communism Socialism Fascism Capitalism
Communism Country Used As Example Soviet Union (USSR) (Russia)
Communism Owner of the Means of Production Government As the voice of the people
Communism Government Role in the System Owns, distributes, plans, allocates
Communism Role of Individual in System Works for the benefit of the whole society
Communism Assumptions About Political System More important: Equality Economic security Less important Voting Freedom of expression Personal freedom
Communism Definition of “Human Rights” Right to eat, to survive, to be seen as an equal
Socialism Country Used as Example Britain (England) (U.K.)
Socialism Owner of Means of Production Government owns much Especially the big industries Individuals own some Especially smaller businesses
Socialism Role of Government Owns & Controls some of economy Regulates other parts heavily
Socialism Role of Individual Some room for personal profit But also has obligation to work for good of society
Socialism Assumptions About Political System More personal freedom than in Communism, less than in Capitalism Less emphasis on economic security than in Communism, more than in Capitalism
Socialism Definition of “Human Rights” Involves both right to eat, survive, be secure with rights to vote, and have personal freedom
Fascism Country Used as Example Germany and Italy
Fascism Owner of Means of Production Individuals own & get the profit
Fascism Government Role in System Ultimate decision maker in all affairs Ultimate decider of allocation of resources
Fascism Role of Individual in System Profit OBEY!!!
Fascism Assumptions About Political System Individual rights not important Government to have total control Usually a police state
Fascism Definition of “Human Rights” “Human rights” not very important Strength of the nation is the overall goal
Capitalism Country Used as Example The United States
Capitalism Owner of the Means of Production Mostly individuals
Capitalism Role of Government in System Largely stays out (“laissez-faire”) Possibly some regulation
Capitalism Role of Individual in System Mostly to pursue individual interests and profit
Capitalism Assumptions About Political System Less important: Equality Economic security More important Voting Freedom of expression Personal freedom
Capitalism Definition of “Human Rights” Defined as the right of an individual to do more or less what s/he wishes to do Freedom of choice, expression, voting, etc.