Democracy is a political or social unit that gives power to the citizens in which they observe it through a free and fair electoral system. When the citizens do not exercise democracy themselves, then the elected representatives carry it out. This kind of system is illustrated by having recognized equality rights and freedom both in a social setting and political locale. In a democratic state, there is a guarantee for principal human rights for every citizen. There is freedom of expression, religion, good governance, and equal rights to vote for the leader one chooses. There is also the separation of powers among the organizations of the nation. (Berger, 1986)
Almond has various ideas on the concept of capitalism and democracy. He argues that capitalism sustains democracy in the sense that contemporary democracy has grown together with the advancement of capitalism. In the contemporary, democracy is able to thrive in situations where well-defined structures of privately owned establishment exist. Capitalism has been practiced in the United States and has become a success to a great deal. The United States Government allows for every person the freedom to own and acquire property within the constitution. He also argues that capitalism hinders democracy since when only a few people own a lot the issue of democracy will no longer be possible. This is because capitalism causes class structures rather than allowing for equality in society. (Dahl, 1989)
The other argument that Almond puts across is that democracy hinders capitalism. He argues that democracy that recognizes a good state proves to be a real hindrance to the connection that exists between democracy and capitalism. Interfering with the private segment has constantly been the ideal of free democracy leading to confrontations. He further states that having solid associations that are brought about by capitalism contributes to the lack of democracy. His final argument is that democracy promotes capitalism. This he illustrates with the example of Great Britain who has practiced democracy for a long time and thus has led to them being capitalists all the way. (Friedman, 1981)
I feel that the socialist system reflects more about democracy than capitalism does. Socialism is a centrally designed economy whereby the state manages all the ways of production. It is founded on the concept of equality whereby everyone receives an equal share of the earnings that have been accumulated. In this case, the resources are universal for each person. The working class is given more ownership of resources compared to the value of production thus, it is planned to ensure individual potentiality is achieved. This implies that the economies are distinguished by the methods of production held by the government or by the people communally. It is go-between capitalism and communism. Communism is a social structure that advocates for the elimination of classes and campaigns for a universally managed society. This means that freedom is given to the working class. (Schumpeter, 1946)
The fundamental concept of socialism of generating depending on one’s ability and receiving depending on one want was practiced in the Soviet Union and they became the first socialist state in 1936. In USSR, it operated by having citizens oblige to production quotas and the reimbursement of resources delegated to a centrally designed power. They also had prices for products and services assigned by the government. This system allows for an ordered working class, which develops mainly from social advancement with the main purpose of achieving a classless society. This system strongly advocates that a socialist economy should be put in place for the good of the larger population rather than for a small refined, plutocratic, or industrialist class. (Friedman, 1981)
Capitalism is a system that recognizes the idea of personal rights. In this system, the state is alienated from market matters, which can be said to be political freedom. A capitalist economy depends mainly on market trends in order to distribute products and property as well as establish prices. It is mostly referred to as a free market economy and many countries in the world have enhanced their economy through the capitalist system for example Canada. The producers choose the social class in which they wish to spend their resources and this in many cases may create a gap between the rich and the poor. (Dahl, 1989)
This system is mainly guided by the market while directing people’s activities that will serve one as it benefits others. The state does not interfere with private activities but rather allows the citizens to do what the market directs them. The work of the state is to protect the citizens from any destruction that may hinder the smooth flow of the market. This means protecting people’s lives, property, and any resources they have against violence and other criminal activities. The market is supreme where it allows citizens to specialize in many areas of the economy. This system allows private ownership and freedom to run all the activities one wants the way he/she wants as long as they do not go against the laws of the state. (Berger, 1986)
Democracy is portrayed in various ways in different countries. The economic systems in place determine the kind of democracy a country observes. Both socialism and capitalism have had their own critiques and it is the duty of every country to choose the system they feel will benefit their citizens. Both systems have been practiced in different countries and both of them observe a degree of democracy. The socialist economy allows for a situation where the poor are not neglected and equality in terms of resources. Capitalism creates a gap between the poor and the rich in most cases and at the same time allows for the citizens to help each other. These systems are both advantageous and disadvantageous in a given way.
References
Berger, P. (1986). The Capitalist Revolution. New York: Basic Books.
Dahl, R.A. (1989). Democracy and Its Critics. New Haven: Yale University Press
Friedman, M. (1981). Capitalism and Freedom. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Schumpeter, J. (1946). Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy. New York: Harper.