Module 10:
Economic Systems & Political Ideologies

Module 10 explains how economic systems and political ideologies are connected. It begins with political economy, showing that economics and politics cannot be separated because questions about property, taxation, regulation, public services, and wealth distribution are also questions about power and authority. The module then introduces capitalism as a system based on private property, markets, competition, and profit, while also emphasizing that most countries today actually operate as mixed economies that combine markets with government regulation and public services.

The module also defines political ideology as a broader framework of beliefs about freedom, equality, authority, rights, economics, and social change. It then surveys several major ideologies, including liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, populism, fascism, social democracy, democratic socialism, and progressivism. Overall, the module shows that political conflicts are not just about isolated policies, but about deeper disagreements over how society should be organized, what government should do, what kind of economic system is just, and what values should guide public life.