Capitalism and Democracy

Political Science 200
04/28/03

CAPITALISM AND DEMOCRACY

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this essay is to examine the two cases of the United States and France in the development of democracy and capitalism. It will discuss the specific differences in the development of democracy in the two states and attempt to answer the question as to why the expansion of capitalism is treated as the primary factor responsible for the emergence of democracy. My central argument is that capitalism and freedom are interrelated. Capitalism and Democracy are compatible and a capitalist/democratic system is superior to any other combination of government and market, and historically provides greater social and economic prosperity then any other system in history. A world dominated by Capitalism and Democracy is a better world. First, I will provide an analysis and discuss the development of democracy in the United States and France. Then, I will proceed to explain why capitalism is a primary factor in the emergence of democracy. Finally, I will provide an elaborate discussion on why democracy and capitalism provides greater social and economic prosperity more so than any other government/market system ever established.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Government and market systems are set up to provide social prosperity for its citizens and domestic security. However, as Milton Friedman argues, "It is widely believed that politics and economics are separate and largely unconnected; that individual freedom is a political problem and material welfare an economical problem; and that any kind of political arrangements can be combined with any kind of economic arrangements." The chief contemporary manifestation of this idea is the advocacy of "democratic socialism" by many who condemn out of hand the restrictions on individual freedom imposed by "Totalitarian socialism in Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) and who are persuaded that it is possible for a country to adopt the essential... [continues]

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