General Characteristics of Authoritarian Socialism:   DOWNLOAD FILE

I. revolutionary

      belief in the historic inevitability of revolutionary change in the relationships of production

 

       violent class struggle resulting in massive and radical changes in society - marx .

 

      revolutionary change as a result of intentional human actions and individual application of character, will and "correct thought" - mao

 

II. elitist

      dictatorship of the proletariat
leadership necessary to achieve revolution and complete socialization .

 

       fundamental supremacy of the party
increasing authoritarianism leading to "withering away of the state"

 

III. utilitarian

      public welfare
the greatest good for the greatest number
equity rather than efficiency; duties rather than rights

 

      active government involvement
as the representative of the masses it can and should remedy social ills

 

IV. totalitarian

      acceptance of social contract in every aspect of personal life

 

      communism as a way of life, not merely a system of goverment

 

V. progressive

      goal: elimination of class distinctions and creation of a new type of man

 

 

General Characteristics of Democratic Socialism:

 

I. idealist

      altruism
the belief that human beings are naturally benevolent and cooperative

 

II. majoritarian

      decisions
choices must be both meaningful and respected

 

      democratic
the will of the majority with respect to the rights of the minority

 

      public decision-making
well-informed, fully discussed, and without interference

 

III. utilitarian

      public welfare
the greatest good for the greatest number
equity rather than efficiency; but rights must be respected

 

      active government involvement
as the representative of the people, government can and should remedy social ills

 

IV. pragmatic

      gradual
focus on specific details with a view toward future accomplishments

 

      peaceful
the social contract must be maintained

 

V. progressive

      goal: utopia
the elimination of class distinctions and creation of a new type of man

 

 

General Characteristics of Democratic Capitalism:

 

I. conservative

      laissez-faire

 

      limited government: delegation, limitation, and seperation of power

 

II. majoritarian

      decisions
choices must be both meaningful and respected

 

      democratic
the will of the majority with respect to the rights of the minority

 

      public decision-making
well-informed, fully discussed, and without interference

 

III. procedural

      rule of law: a process with equal access and protection for all

 

IV. individualist

      initiative, property, and responsibility must be the responsibility of each individual citizen

 

V. naturalist

      civil rights
freedom of speech, press, religion, occupation

 

      recognition of "inalienable" human rights

 

      property rights "pursuit of happiness"

 

       voting rights freedom of choice