Political Ideologies With COWS

Anarchy Absence of any form of political authority. Examples: Occupy Wall Street

Two Cows - Anarchy You have two cows, your neighbor has none. He takes one from you because he wants one. You would go to the police for help, but there aren’t any.

Manorialism A political and economic system, based on the holding of land by lords who protected the serfs in return for service.

Two Cows - Manorialism You have two cows. Your lord takes some of the milk in exchange for protection. Your neighbor has no cows. Your neighbor is in big trouble.

Feudalism A political and economic system in which land and government are given to vassals in return for their military service.

Two Cows-- Feudalism You have no cows. A lord gives you two cows AND the right to rule the serfs In return for your sword service.

Theocracy A government ruled by or subject to religious authority.

Two Cows - Theocracy You have two cows. Your neighbor wants them, and accuses you of being a witch. Goodbye.

Democracy A government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them.

Democracy You have two cows. Your neighbor steals one. Your other neighbors make him give it back.

Republic/Representative Democracy A defining characteristic is the absence of a monarch; power comes only from the people. A type of democracy in which the citizens delegate authority to elected officials.

Two Cows – Representative Democracy You have two cows. Your neighbors don’t have any. You and your neighbors pick someone to determine exactly what you’ll be allowed to do with the milk.

Capitalism An economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations. Capitalism tends to oppose cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth. Adam Smith: “When an individual pursues his self-interest, he indirectly promotes the good of society.”

Two Cows - Capitalism You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. You sell one cow and buy a bull. You breed them, and sell your neighbor a new cow for a profit.

Socialism A theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution in the community as a whole. Social Democracy – Advocating the things important to socialism within free elections. Also supportive of reforms and regulations within Capitalism, but still supportive of the concept of a Free Market in general.

Two Cows - Socialism You have two cows. The government takes them and puts them in a barn with everyone else's cows. You have to take care of all the cows. The government gives you as much milk as you need.

Communism A system of social organization based on holding all property in common. Actual ownership is given to the community as a whole, or to the state of behalf of the community.

Two Cows - Communism You have two cows. Your neighbor has none. You have to take care of them, but the single-party government takes all the milk to redistribute “fairly.” You have to stand in line for hours to get milk. It is sour.

Fascism/Dictatorship A governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, controlling all industry, commerce, and trade. There is an emphasis on nationalism, and often racism.

Two Cows - Fascism You have two cows. The government takes both, hires you to take care of them, and then shoots you.

Free Market

Command Market