political ideologies and economic systems - Capitalism Flashcards
(27 cards)
Private Property
Ownership of assets and resources by individuals and businesses, rather than by the state or collective.
Market Economy
Economic system where goods and services are produced, distributed, and exchanged by individuals and businesses in a competitive market.
Free Enterprise
Economic system characterized by private ownership of businesses and minimal government intervention in economic activities.
Profit Motive
Driving force behind capitalist economies, where individuals and businesses seek to maximize their profits.
Competition
Rivalry among businesses in a market economy, driving efficiency, innovation, and lower prices for consumers.
Supply and Demand
Economic principle that describes the relationship between the availability of a product and the desire for that product among consumers.
Invisible Hand
Concept introduced by Adam Smith, describing how self-interested behavior in a free market leads to positive outcomes for society as a whole.
Laissez-Faire
Economic policy advocating for minimal government interference in the economy, allowing the free market to operate without regulation.
Entrepreneurship
Activity of starting and running a business, often involving risk-taking and innovation.
Economic Freedom
Ability of individuals and businesses to make their own economic choices without interference from the government.
Wealth Accumulation
Process of acquiring assets, resources, and capital in a capitalist economy.
Consumer Sovereignty
Principle that consumer preferences determine the production of goods and services in a market economy.
Division of Labor
Specialization of tasks and roles within a society or economy, increasing efficiency and productivity.
Economic Growth
Increase in the production and consumption of goods and services over time, a key goal of capitalist economies.
Capital Accumulation
Process of acquiring and investing capital to generate wealth and economic growth.
Stock Market
Exchange where stocks and other securities are bought and sold, facilitating investment and capital formation.
Corporate Governance
System of rules, practices, and processes by which companies are directed and controlled.
Globalization
Integration of economies and societies through international trade, investment, and technology transfer.
Free Trade
Policy that advocates for unrestricted exchange of goods and services between countries, with minimal barriers such as tariffs or quotas.
Economic Inequality
Disparity in the distribution of wealth and income within a society, a common feature of capitalist economies.
Monopoly
Market situation where a single company or group controls the supply of a commodity, giving them significant market power.
Market Failure
Situation where the allocation of goods and services by a free market is not efficient, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
Externalities
Costs or benefits of economic activities that are not reflected in the prices of goods and services, affecting third parties.
Consumerism
Emphasis on consumption and acquisition of goods and services as a primary source of individual and social identity.