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Types of Economies: Summary notes of Economics for UPSC GS | Indian Economy (Prelims) by Shahid Ali PDF Download

What are the types of economic systems?

World economies are classified into three categories based on the responsibility and structure of the production and distribution network: capitalistic, state and mixed economies.
The three economic system models that have developed over the course of human history are essentially phases in the evolutionary process. As a result, several nations have transitioned to a new mode over time.
Here we’ll learn about the parts of economies that are adapted in India and are important from UPSC point of view.

What are the Characteristics and similarities between the Economic Systems?

What is the Free Market System?

Types of Economies: Summary notes of Economics for UPSC GS | Indian Economy (Prelims) by Shahid AliFeatures of Free Market System

A free market is a market without economic intervention and regulation by the government except to enforce ownership and contracts. It is the opposite of a controlled market, where the government regulates how the means of production, goods, and services are used, priced, or distributed. This is the contemporary use of the term "free market" by economists and in popular culture; the term has had other uses historically. 
  • A free-market economy is an economy where all markets within it are free. 
  • This requires protection of property rights, but no coercive regulation, no coercive subsidization, no coercive government-imposed monopolistic monetary system, and no coercive governmental monopolies.
Examples of Free Market Economy
  • The United States: The U.S. economy is often cited as an example of a free market system. It has minimal government intervention in terms of regulations and pricing, and businesses operate based on supply and demand dynamics.
  • Hong Kong: Hong Kong is known for its free market economy. It has low taxation, minimal government interference, and a strong emphasis on free trade.
Watch this Video on The Basics of the Economy and Clear your concepts about the Economy in minutes.

Question for Types of Economies: Summary notes of Economics for UPSC GS
Try yourself:Which of the following is not a feature of free-market system?
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What is the Planned Economy?

A planned economy (or command economy) is an economic system in which the state or workers' councils manage the economy. It is an economic system in which the central government makes all decisions on the production and consumption of goods and services.
Types of Economies: Summary notes of Economics for UPSC GS | Indian Economy (Prelims) by Shahid Ali

Its most extensive form is referred to as a command economy, centrally planned economy, or command and control economy. In such economies, central economic planning by the state or government controls all major sectors of the economy and formulates all decisions about the use of resources and the distribution of output.
Planners decide what should be produced and direct lower-level enterprises to produce those goods in accordance with national and social objectives.
Planned economies are in contrast to unplanned economies, such as a market economy, where production, distribution, pricing, and investment decisions are made by the private owners of the factors of production based on their individual interests rather than upon a macroeconomic plan. 

Examples of Planned Economy

  • North Korea: North Korea is an example of a planned or command economy. The government controls all major sectors of the economy and makes decisions on production and resource allocation.
  • Cuba: Cuba has a centrally planned economy where the government plays a dominant role in economic activities, including ownership of major industries and resource allocation.

Question for Types of Economies: Summary notes of Economics for UPSC GS
Try yourself:Which of the following is not the same as planned economy?
View Solution

 What is the Mixed Economy?

A mixed economy is an economic system that includes a variety of private and government control, or a mixture of capitalism and socialism. 

Mixed Economy Circular Flow ModelMixed Economy Circular Flow Model

There is not one single definition for a mixed economy, but relevant aspects include: A degree of private economic freedom (including privately owned industry) intermingled with centralized economic planning and government regulation (which may include regulation of the market for environmental concerns, social welfare or efficiency, or state ownership and management of some of the means of production for nation or social objectives).
Want to learn the Types of Economies but through a Video? Watch Types of Economies: Economics and learn the Concept in Minutes.

Examples of Mixed Economy

  • Canada: Canada is often considered as a mixed economy. It combines elements of free market capitalism with government intervention to ensure social welfare, environmental regulations, and public services.
  • Sweden: Sweden is another example of a mixed economy. It has a strong welfare state, with government-provided healthcare, education, and social security, along with a market-oriented economy.

What are the elements of a Mixed Economy?

  • To possess means of production (farms, factories, stores, etc.)
  • To participate in managerial decisions (cooperative and participatory economics)
  • To travel (needed to transport all the items in commerce, to make deals in person, for workers and owners to go to where needed)
  • To buy (items for personal use, for resale; buy whole enterprises to make the organization that creates wealth a form of wealth itself)
  • To sell (same as buy)
  • To hire (to create organizations that create wealth)
  • To fire (to maintain organizations that create wealth)
  • To organize (private enterprise for profit, labour unions, workers' and professional associations, non-profit groups, religions, etc.)
  • To communicate (free speech, newspapers, books, advertisements, make deals, create business partners, create markets)
  • To protest peacefully (marches, petitions, sue the government, make laws friendly to profit making and workers alike, remove pointless inefficiencies to maximize wealth creation) p.s. the only similarity is that mixed economies are a mixture of both planned and market economy. 

  1. What are the 3 different types of economic systems?
    Free market, command, and mixed economies are the three primary types of economies. In the graph below, free-market and command economies are compared; mixed economies are a hybrid of the two. Individuals and corporations make economic decisions on their own. All economic decisions in the country are made by the state's central government.
  2. What is an Economic System?
    An economic system is a government-created mechanism for distributing and organising existing resources, products, and services throughout a country or geographic region. It considers the production components of labour, capital, and resources.
  3. What should I study for economics in UPSC?
    Economics is one of the optional subjects offered by the UPSC in the civil services mains exam. Though not as popular as some other subjects like Public Administration or Geography, Economics has a good success rate among candidates.
The document Types of Economies: Summary notes of Economics for UPSC GS | Indian Economy (Prelims) by Shahid Ali is a part of the UPSC Course Indian Economy (Prelims) by Shahid Ali.
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Additional FAQs on Types of Economies: Summary notes of Economics for UPSC GS - Indian Economy (Prelims) by Shahid Ali

1. What are the main types of economic systems?
Ans. The main types of economic systems are traditional economies, command economies, market economies, and mixed economies. Traditional economies rely on customs and traditions, command economies are controlled by the government, market economies are driven by supply and demand, and mixed economies incorporate elements of both market and command systems.
2. What are the characteristics of different economic systems?
Ans. Characteristics of economic systems include ownership of resources, decision-making processes, the role of government, and the level of economic freedom. Traditional economies emphasize community and tradition, command economies focus on central planning, market economies prioritize individual freedom and competition, and mixed economies balance government intervention with market forces.
3. What are the key elements of a mixed economy?
Ans. Key elements of a mixed economy include private and public ownership of resources, a combination of free market and government intervention, the presence of social welfare programs, and regulatory frameworks to balance economic efficiency and equity. This system aims to harness the benefits of both capitalism and socialism.
4. How do economic systems impact economic growth?
Ans. Economic systems impact growth by influencing resource allocation, production methods, and innovation. Market economies often promote efficiency and stimulate growth through competition, while command economies may lag in innovation due to lack of incentives. Mixed economies aim to foster growth while ensuring social welfare.
5. Why is understanding economic systems important for the UPSC exam?
Ans. Understanding economic systems is vital for the UPSC exam as it provides insights into how different economies function, the implications of government policies, and the overall economic development of a nation. This knowledge is crucial for analyzing socio-economic issues, formulating policies, and evaluating government performance in economic management.
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