Basic Concepts Of Government: Socialism, Communism and Capitalism

CONTENT

• Socialism          
• Communism   
• Capitalism

SOCIALISM

Socialism may be defined as an ideology that advocates collective ownership, control and organization of the means of production, distribution and exchange of goods and services. In this system, most of the factors of production and distribution are controlled and operated by the government on behalf of the citizens. Goods and services are produced with the aim of satisfying the wants of the whole citizens and not to the profit derived.

This ideology was formulated by Karl Marx, a German (1816 – 1883) and through this ideology; he hoped to fight the evils of capitalism.

Features of Socialism

1. The government owns and controls almost all the means of production and distribution;
2. Goods and services are not produced to make profits but rather according to the needs and satisfaction of the citizens;
3. There is a central planning of production, distribution and exchange of goods and services;
4. Full employment are of the cardinal principles of socialism;
5. Socialism encourages equality and equal opportunities for all;
6. Wealth is distributed according to individual contribution and needs.

COMMUNISM

This is the highest stage of socialism in which all the means of production and distribution are totally controlled by the government. Individual ownership of property is completely abolished in a communist state.

Karl Marx also propounded this ideology. The theory and principles of communism has it that the state owns everything and resources are distributed to the citizens according to their needs and ability. No country has ever practiced Communism.

Features of Communism

1. Communism advocates the complete abolition of government and a stateless society where there is no government, exploitation nor oppression;
2. It seeks to enthrone a classless society where everybody is equal socially and economically;
3. It stipulates a compulsory confiscation of private properties without compensation;
4. There is a centrally planned economy and the use of force in achieving a communist goal;
5. Citizens receive resources only according to their needs and ability.

EVALUATION

1. Define socialism
2. State 4 features of socialism

CAPITALISM

This is an economic ideology, which permits individuals to own and control the means of production, distribution and exchange in a country, while the economic activity of the government is at a minimum.

This political and economic ideology is practiced in nearly all countries of the world after the fall of Socialism in the 1900s. In this system, private individuals who have the economic strength participate in all sectors of the economy. Profit is the main motive or reason for participation as resources are allocated according to prices.

Features of Capitalism

1. Private individuals are permitted under the law to own and control most means of production and distribution. Government participation is at a minimum;
2. The consumers have a wide range of choice in a capitalist economy;
3. The forces of demand and supply of essential commodities determine their prices and distribution;
4. The major goal of the businessman in a capitalist economy is profit;
5. There is usually competition and economic rivalry between firms, consumers etc;
6. A capitalist society promotes a class society. There are three classes of people in a capitalist society. They are:
7. The Peasants: they are the downtrodden masses that are struggling to earn their living.

ii)   The Bourgeoisie: They are the rich capitalists that own large business organizations and control political power. There are three types of Bourgeoisie.

They are:

1. National Bourgeoisie: they are people that become wealthy through hard work;
2. Comprador Bourgeoisie: they are those who make wealth through fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking etc;

c)   The Petit Bourgeoisie: they are the emerging wealthy persons.

1. Proletariat: this refers to the working class persons that earn their livelihood by selling their labour for a wage or salary. Apart from the proletariat, there is also a set of people known as ‘lumpen proletariat’. They are the unemployed or rather under-employed people in the society. They are usually at security risk in the society.
2. Capitalism is often associated with democratic principles. This is evident in the choice of leaders and permission of individual liberties;
3. A capitalist state allows freedom of enterprise. Private individuals can own companies and manufacture goods of their choice;
4. There is the use of advanced technology for high level of productivity to be ensured, favourable competition and increase in profit;
5. The masses can determine what type of goods to buy and where to work. There are no laws restricting people from working in any particular firm or for government. There is personal liberty.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

1. Enumerate 5 features of socialism.
   1. Explain the concepts of the Bourgeoisie and Proletariat.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. What is Communism?
2. What is the ultimate aim of Communism?
3. What is Capitalism?
4. Explain the following terms (i) Peasants (ii) Bourgeoisie (iii) Proletariat

READING ASSIGNMENT

Essential government by C.C. Dibie pages 18-24

Comprehensive government by J.U. Anyaele pages 19-22

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. An ideology which promotes the control of major means of production by the state is

a) communalism          b) socialism                 c) capitalism

• The theory of socialism was initiated by

a) Thomas Hobbes      b) Karl Marx               c) Jean Bodin

• A state which has power to make its own laws and enforce them has

a) Power                      b) legitimacy               c) sovereignty

• The lowest class of people in a capitalist state are the ___________

a) Bourgeoisie             b) proletariat                c) peasants

• The highest stage of socialism is ___________

a) Capitalism               b) communalism          c) communism

THEORY

1. Outline five features of a Socialist state.
2. Explain the concept of capitalism.