Untitled Flashcards Set

  • Command Economy:

    • Economic decisions are made by a central authority or government.

    • The government controls production, investment, prices, and income

    • Often aims to distribute resources equitably but can lead to inefficiencies and lack of incentives.

    • Examples include North Korea and the former Soviet Union.

    Capitalism:

    • An economic system where private ownership of the means of production occurs, and goods and services are produced for profit.

    • It operates on principles of supply and demand in a competitive market.

    • Can coexist with varying degrees of government regulation and welfare provisions (mixed economies).

    • Examples include the United States and Canada, where capitalist principles drive the economy but are regulated to prevent market failures.

    • Command Economy:

      • Economic decisions are centrally planned by the government.

      • The government controls production, investment, prices, and income.

      • Aims to distribute resources equitably but can lead to inefficiencies and lack of incentives.

      • Examples include North Korea and the former Soviet Union.

      Capitalism:

      • An economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production.

      • Goods and services are produced for profit, operating on principles of supply and demand in competitive markets.

      • Can coexist with varying degrees of government regulation and welfare provisions, often referred to as mixed economies.

      • Examples include the United States and Canada, where capitalist principles drive the economy but are regulated to prevent market failures.

      • In a command economy, the government controls all economic activities and decides what to produce and how much. This can speed up industrialization because the government can allocate resources to important industries quickly. However, this system can also lead to problems. Without competition, there may be less motivation to innovate, and poor decision-making can lead to waste of resources. Overall, while a command economy can help build industries faster, it may struggle with long-term growth and efficiency.

In a capitalist economy, industrialization is driven by private businesses that seek profit. Companies invest in new technologies and production methods to compete in the market, which fosters innovation and efficiency. As demand for goods and services increases, businesses expand their operations, leading to more jobs and economic growth. However, this system can also result in unequal distribution of resources, where some industries may flourish while others struggle. Overall, capitalism encourages industrialization through competition and innovation, but it may also create gaps between different sectors of the economy.