Communism Connection What is the basic definition of Communism? Why was communism largely a failure in practice?

Socialism SWBAT define socialism SWBAT explain how socialism effects the lives of citizens in socialist countries

Socialism – Basic Definition Like communism, socialism is an economic system where most important businesses are owned by the government rather than by individuals. Socialist governments typically own their nations railroads, airlines, hospitals, banks, utility companies, mining companies, oil companies and other major industries. However, unlike communism socialism encourages private ownership of small business like shops, small manufacturing facilities and specialty stores. Socialism and communism are both called “command” economies because the government commands certain things be done.

Definitions! Define socialism in your own words!

What social and economic problems were created by the Industrial Revolution?

Why Socialism? Under socialism the government has direct control over all major industries in order to protect the rights of the working class. After the Industrial Revolution man workers worked for low wages in giant factories, major mines or huge manufacturing facilities. Working conditions in these places were terrible. Socialists believe that the government will be able to protect the rights of workers by controlling the means of production.

Social Programs Under socialism the government is also in charge of implementing social programs that improve the standard of living of all citizens. These programs include public education, basic healthcare, basic food security, public transportation and low-cost housing. These things are intended to protect people’s basic rights and make socialist countries as productive as possible.

Socialism – True or False! The government is focused on ending poverty. Everyone lives in the same kind of house, makes the same amount of money and has the same stuff. The government owns all the businesses in the country, including production, manufacturing and distribution of all goods. Socialism was invented to protect people’s basic rights to a decent standard of living.

Major Goal! The major goal of socialism is to have a fairer distribution of income among all members of society. People’s basic needs like health care, transportation, education and housing are met for free or at very little cost.

Multiple Choice Practice The major difference between communism and socialism is: In communist economic system the government has some control over the economy. In a socialist economic system the government has total control over the economy. The main goal of a socialist economic system is to end poverty. The main goal of a communist system is to make the government powerful. In a socialist economic system some private property is allowed. In a communist economic system no private property is allowed. There are no communist economic systems in the world today, but some socialist systems still exist.

Make a Prediction! Communism, as we discussed Friday, has largely failed in practice. Do you think that socialism has the potential to be a successful economic system? Why or why not? Do you think socialism, in theory, is good or bad for mankind?

Socialism Today Sweden and Israel have modeled their economies around socialist principals. Sweden and Israel have seen incredibly positive results. For example, in Sweden people can still be upper, middle and lower class, but all people are guaranteed a certain standard of living. As a result, Sweden has virtually no homeless citizens, an extremely high GDP, and one of the best public school systems in the world.

Independent Practice: Is President Obama a socialist? For the quotes listed on your guided notes answer the following questions: What policy is President Obama advocating for? Would the policy appear in a socialist country? Why or why not? “We always want to make sure that the playing field is such that everyone who works hard is able to send their kids to college and retire.” "They don't want the whole pie," she told the women. "There are some who do, but most Americans feel blessedjust being able to thrive a little bit. But that is becoming even more out of reach. If we don't wake up as a nation with a new kind of leadership, for how we want this country to work, then we won't get universal health care. The truth is, in order to get things like universal health care and a revamped education system, then someone is going to have to give up a piece of their pie so that someone else can have more."

"So we're going to provide a $4,000 tuition credit, every student, every year, but, students, you're going to have to give back something in return. You're going to have to participate in community service. You're going to have to work in a homeless shelter, or a veteran's home, or an underserved school, or join the Peace Corps." "The great task before our founders was putting into practice the ideal that government could simultaneously serve liberty and advance the common good. and Government, he believed, had an important role to play in advancing our common prosperity."