Differences Between Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism, Essay Example

Capitalism, socialism, and communism are political systems that represent constitutional forms of government. Socialism and communism are similar as they both support the idea of human equality, eliminating private ownership, and centralized power of government. In fact, socialism is an intermediate stage of transformation of capitalism into communism. The primary difference between these political orders is that political leaders use intentional and collective social control approaches in socialism. “Communism, however, seeks to manage both the economy and the society by ensuring that property is owned collectively and that control over the distribution of property is centralized in order to achieve both classlessness and statelessness”. (Partington 2003)

When comparing socialism and capitalism, one can notice that they are similar in the role of government in the economy. In fact, both socialism and capitalism require governmental control in order to exist. Some scientists argue this fact, stating that government is not involved in legislative regulations. Nonetheless, when it comes about strategic goods and supplies, such as water supply, electricity, telephone lines, share of private ownership is minimized or equals zero. The role of government is capitalism is close to laissez-faire economy, while socialism supports communism. This fact depicts major difference between these political orders.

Communism and capitalism are totally different political orders that support different approaches of governmental legislation. During the state of communism ownership is collective, while during capitalism it is owned privately. Secondly, capitalism supports individual freedom and freedom of choice, while capitalism support human equality and absence of economic classes. The primary difference between these political systems is that communism practices dictatorship and capitalism practices democracy. (Conservative Resources, 2008)

Works Cited

Conservative Resources. (2008). Capitalism Vs Communism. April 21, 2009. <http://www.conservative-resources.com/capitalism-vs-communism.html>.

Partington, R. (2003). What is the difference between socialism and communism? April 21, 2009. <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between -socialism-and-communism.htm>.