Rock, Paper, Scissors... and Communism

As we began learning about the systems of capitalism, socialism, and communism, we did an activity in class simulating the major ideas of these three theories. The activity included using Hershey's Kisses and playing games of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Each person was given a certain number of Kisses. Then as we played the game, people lost and gained more Kisses. This game was frustrating because within the first three games I lost all of my Kisses and wasn't able to play the rest of the time. Although, it did help me understand the theories of government set up by Karl Marx and Adam Smith.

Marx and Smith both came up with systems to allow the people to have control over their economy without the involvement of the government. Marx's theory of capitalism, socialism, and communism decided that there should be no government whatsoever in a country, and the people would agree to a classless society. Smith's theory of the Invisible Hand states that the government should not be involved in the economy, so that the people can buy and sell things the way they want. This way, the market will take care of itself as if guided by an "invisible hand." Both Marx and Smith had the poor in mind when creating their theories, Marx believed that the poor would be able to help themselves into a better economy, and Smith wanted the invisible hand to bring the economy to a better state.

I believe that are modern day systems of government are the best systems, but between the theories of Marx and Smith, I believe that Smith has the better theory. Smith's theory allows for people to have control over their own money and businesses, as well as decide what they spend their money on. It also included a government, but excluding its involvement in economy. Marx's system, without a government, wouldn't create a country that is unorganized and dangerous. In modern times, a county without a government wouldn't have a way to organize important things such as a law enforcement system, an education system, or international affairs. These theories both allow for people to have control over what they buy and sell and for how much, but Smith's theory allows for a government to have control over things that the people themselves wouldn't be able to organize.

Picture: "Karl Heinrich Marx." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 07 Oct. 2014.