Communism vs. Capitalism Flashcards
Communism
The government owns all and everyone gets paid the same no matter what you do for a living
Capitalism
Free-marketing, you can own your own companies, get paid for the amount of work you do
How did Communism come into power?
Tsar Nicholas and his family were overthrown by the Bolsheviks and Communism took over
Characteristics of Communism
The system of the government is totalitarian
The state owns all property
No free enterprise is allowed
The wealth is distributed equally
Education and healthcare is provided by the state
The press is controlled and owned by the state
Classless society (everyone is considered to be equal)
The focus is on the progress of the community as a whole
Ideology of Communism
People need one another
When people work together as equals, they achieve greater things
No-one should have more than anyone else
Everybody’s needs are equally important
Governments should make sure that everyone’s needs are being met
There is central control of the economy
Ideology of Capitalism
People need freedom
When people compete against one another, they achieve greater things
Some people make more than others because they have better use of their abilities
Governments should not interfere with the rights of individuals to make their own living
The government should interfere in the economy as little as possible
Characteristics of Capitalism
The government system is democratic
Property is privately owned
Driven by free enterprise
Wealth isn’t distributed equally
Education and healthcare is provided by private entities
Freedom of press
Class distinctions: Upper class, middle class, and working class
The focus is on the individual and his/her own progress in life
