AP+US++Assignment

Eumie Rosiclair September 1, 2011 AP US History Summer Assignment


 * 1.What is capitalism? **

Basically a system where production of goods is privately owned and prices,how they deliver there product and how much they are produced is based on their competition.


 * 2.What form of capitalism does the United States practice? What are the details of this form of capitalism? **

The United States is a mix of Capitalism and Socialism. For example in the US the government decides on taxes but it's also up to an individual to work to get to wherever they want to be.


 * 3.Why does the U.S. practice capitalism – why is it the system that the founders of the United States established? **

We practice democracy because of the values and ideals of our forefathers who laid the foundation for this country. I feel that they choose democracy because they wanted this country to belong to it's people not the most powerful. But the main reason for that is they wanted to different from England they didn't want there government to oppress them the same way way Britain did to them.


 * 4.What are the positives and negatives of having this economic system? **

Positives

-The more work you put in more successful you can be

-Your work shows in how much you get paid

Negatives

-You can always go hungry or poor

-It’s run by the people so the government doesn't have much of a say


 * 5.What is democracy? **

It's a type of government where people have a say in the decision the government makes.


 * 6.What form of democracy does the United States practice? What are the details of this form of democracy? **

They practice a Federal republic government. In this type of democracy there is a "division of powers" between the federal government and it's states. So think of it as the federal government being the CEO and states being a chairman.


 * 7.Why does the U.S. practice democracy – why is it the system that the founders established? **

We practice democracy today because of the ideals and values of our forefathers. They wanted to be different from Britain a monarchy who they felt was controlling them. I feel that democracy was decided for our country because of the principles that our forefathers wanted this nation to have. They wanted this country to belong to the people not the powerful or wealthy.


 * 8.What are the positives and negatives of having this system? **

Positives

-The country belongs to the people

-The people control who gets to lead in their country

Negatives

-Not everyone participates so sometimes only a small majority may have a say

-Not everyone is aware of what is going on in the country so voicing there opinion of something they have no knowledge of is very foolish


 * 9.Please watch Michael Moore’s 2009 documentary “Capitalism: A Love Story” and summarize 4 or 5 of his main points. Also, please critique his arguments – what does he leave out, what problems do you find with his approach, etc. Make sure you relate the film to your earlier research on capitalism and democracy. **// (So please do these steps in order, so this film should be viewed after you’ve done the work for #1-8) //

-Our country no longer belonged to the American people but to the stock market

-Our system of democracy is the only thing that is saving the lower 99% from the wealthy 1%

-Employees have had to work harder and harder while wages virtually stay the same while CEO's are profiting the most

-Companies seem to run smoother when run as a democracy not as a dictatorship

I feel that this movie was really well done his approach to his argument was very concise and on point. His methods made you really think about what the government has done to it’s people and how much wall street has effected their decisions. This was a complete shock to me I know not believe everything I hear but it was astounding to find out some the low down things that companies have done and how our government can be manipulated.


 * 10.What is the relationship between capitalism and democracy? How do they work together, how do their principles coincide and how do they oppose each other? **

The relationship between capitalism and democracy is that in a way they go hand in hand so it works out without democracy the rich would rule our government,without capitalism no one would be rich and be able able to move up there social status. But the two also work against each other in the regard that when you have rich people it's easy for them to throw money at our government to persuade them to work in their favor. With capitalism there is no guarantee but there is chance that you can become successful.