An introductory overview Political Systems An introductory overview

Where they came from Early human societies Needed something to unify them Focus effort Provide structure Governments At its basic form, provides these in exchange for authority

Common political systems Rule by one One person yields all the government’s power Monarchies Dictatorships Autocracies Rule by few An elite class yields the majority of the gov’t’s power Oligarchies Rule by many The government derives its power from the majority Democracy Republics

Issues with political systems Levels of corruption corrupt government efficiency Monarchs can become tyrannical All that power in two hands can be bad Oligarchs can become self-serving They can maintain a status quo of social division Democracies/republics can be abused Misinformation, manipulation, and abuse of the system

Economic Systems An introductory overview

What economies are 1) Accumulation of resources Humans desire goods Goods require resources to make 2) Places of exchange Resources turn into goods to be sold The exchange drives this engine This engine is the economy Those who drive the economy Are those who control the means of production

Types of economic systems Traditional Basic economic system tied to land and culture Minimal waste and socially stable, as everyone has a role Command Economic production controlled by central authority Issues with predicting demand and corruption Market Economic activity dependent upon individuals Varying amounts of regulation Mixed Elements of command/market economies Like US social programs in a capitalist economy