IB Ch. 2

Political Economy: political, economical, legal systems of a country

are interdependent

political system

collective versus individualistic. democratic or totalitarian

collective - Plato

good of society over individualism

socialist - Karl Marx

pay of a worker does not reflect their actual value of labor. few benefit from capitalism. advocated for state ownership.

socialist- communist vs social democrats

communist- socialism can only be achieved through violent revolution and totalitarian dictatorship
social democrats- achieving through democratic means

in many countries state owned firms performed poorly

-no competition
-higher prices and taxes

Privatization

To change from government or public ownership or control to private ownership or control.

individualism - Aristotle

argued individual diversity and and private ownership is desirable. it will stimulate progress. private property gets more cared for than communal.

totalitarian

one person or political party has absolute control over human life

Communist Totalitarianism

used to be popular but it is declining now. most are communist in name

theocratic totalitarianism

political power is monopolized by a party, group, or individual that governs according to religious principles

Tribal Totalitarianism

A political system in which a party, group, or individual that represents the interests of a particular tribe (ethnic group) monopolizes political power.

Right-Wing Totalitarianism

A political system in which political power is monopolized by a party, group, or individual that generally permits individual economic freedom but restricts individual political freedom, including free speech, often on the grounds that it would lead to th

command economy

An economic system in which the government controls a country's economy. collective. "good of society

market economy

Economic decisions are made by individuals or the open market.

mixed economy

an economic system combining private and public enterprise. is becoming less popular

Common Law

A legal system based on custom and court rulings. tradition and precedent

Contract Law

the body of law that governs contract enforcement

Private Action

the theft, piracy, blackmail, and the like by private individuals or groups (mafia)

Public Action

the extortion of income or resources, property of property holders by public officials, such as politicians and government bureaucrats

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

a law that prohibits U.S. corporations from making illegal payments to public officials of foreign governments to obtain business rights or to enhance their business dealings in those countries

a nation with democratic institutions, market based, legal system, protects property rights

is more attractive for business than one that is not.