Economics Flashcards
Business Cycle
The periodic expansion and contraction of economic activity in a market economy
Capitalism
An economic system where private individuals own and control resources and production for profit
Classical liberalism
A political and economic philosophy emphasizing individual freedom, limited government, and free markets
Free enterprise
An economic system where businesses operate with minimal government interference
Iron Law of Wages
A theory suggesting that wages naturally settle at a level sufficient for workers’ subsistence
Industrialization
Transforming an economy from agrarian-based to one dominated by industry and manufacturing
Industrial Revolution
A rapid industrial growth and technological innovation starting in the late 18th century
Inflation
The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises over time
Invisible Hand
Adam Smith’s concept of self-regulating market forces guiding economic activity
Laissez-faire
An economic policy advocating minimal government intervention in the economy
Mercantilism
An economic theory focused on accumulating wealth through trade surpluses and colonial expansion
Privatization
The transfer of ownership of businesses or assets from the public sector to private individuals or organizations
Profit Motive
The incentive to engage in activities that generate financial gain
Price system
A mechanism where prices are determined by supply and demand to allocate resources in a market economy
Private Property
Ownership of resources and goods by individuals or businesses rather than the state
Recession
A significant decline in economic activity across the economy lasting more than a few months
Social Darwinism
A theory applying natural selection concepts to human society, often used to justify inequality
Adam Smith
An 18th-century economist known as the “Father of Economics” for his work on free markets and the invisible hand.
John Stuart Mill
A philosopher and economist who advocated for individual liberty, social reform, and utilitarianism
Thomas Malthus
An economist who theorized that population growth would outpace food supply, leading to societal challenges
Bourgeoisie
The capitalist class owning the means of production in Marxist theory
Class conflict
The struggle between social classes, particularly between the bourgeoisie and proletariat, over economic and political power
Collectivism
A principle of giving priority to group interests over individual interests
Collectivized farms
Agricultural production systems where land and resources are owned and managed collectively, often by the state
Communism
A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society and collective ownership of significant economic resources
“Cradle to Grave”
A concept of providing lifelong social welfare and support to citizens
Glasnost
A policy of openness and transparency in government and media introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev
GOSPLAN
The central planning agency responsible for economic planning in the Soviet Union
Marxism
A socio-economic theory by Karl Marx advocating for the abolition of class systems through revolutionary socialism