Sparks Fly

Home Lesson Samples Econ Sites Connections Econ Content Books that Fit

 

Characteristics of a Free Market and Command Economy

Characteristics Free Market Economy

(Capitalism)

Command Economy

(Communism)

Security/Choice Individual must make choices because resources are limited Central Authority makes choices because  resources are limited
Trade-Offs Individuals make trade-offs because choices must be made between alternative uses of resources Central Authority makes trade-offs, choices made at government level not by individual
Supply and Demand Supply and demand determines price; price determines who can purchase Government determines price; price determines who can purchase
Private ownership Private individuals own resources Government owns resources
Consumer Sovereignty Consumer choice determines what is produced Government decides what is produced
Competition Competition and price determine how goods and services are produced Government determines production methods and practices
Incentives Profit determines economic behavior Government controls incentives and determines their use
Markets Buyers and sellers exchange goods and services in free markets Buyers and sellers exchange goods and services as determined by government in controlled markets
 

This page last updated on 06/07/00.

Dr. Cynthia Sparks is the Supervisor of Social Studies for Chesapeake Public Schools.  She is also an Adjunct Faculty member for the University of Virginia, Troy State University, and Old Dominion University.