UNIT 17 Scarcity, Choice and Circular Flow of Income 5 The Economy
The economy is defined as the way a particular country or region produces (makes goods and services), consumes and distributes its economic resources (the factors of production). Countries approach production, consumption and distribution in different ways which means there are different types of economic systems in the world.
Economic Systems
An economic system is defined as the methods which a country’s government uses to produce and distribute the factors of production.
Each country is different and access to the factors of production vary. Governments must then make choices to manage their access to scarce resources.
We will look at three economic systems which vary from strong government intervention to very little government intervention.
Impact of economic systems Type
Centrally planned economy
Explanation
The government controls all the factors of production and makes all the decisions about economic activity.
Individuals have very little involvement in decision-making. Citizens are
employees rather than entrepreneurs.
Example Benefits and drawbacks
Cuba/ North Korea
Benefits • Services:
Essential goods and services, such as healthcare, will be provided for all citizens of the country.
Drawbacks • Control:
The government controls almost all aspects of life.
• Quality:
Due to lack of competition, the standard of goods and service may slip and become inefficient.