Compare the mixed economies of various nations along a continuum between centrally planned and free market systems.
These sites should help you.
http://regentsprep.org/Regents/global/themes/economic/index.cfm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_system
To compare the mixed economies of various nations along a continuum between centrally planned and free market systems, you will need to gather information on each nation's economic characteristics and analyze them.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Identify the nations to compare: Choose the specific countries you want to compare based on their economic systems and level of economic development. Some examples might include the United States, China, Germany, and Sweden.
2. Understand the definitions: Familiarize yourself with the concepts of centrally planned and free market systems. In a centrally planned system, the government controls most aspects of the economy, including resource allocation, production, and pricing. In a free market system, economic activities are primarily driven by private individuals and businesses, with limited government intervention.
3. Gather economic data: Collect relevant economic data for each nation. You may refer to resources such as official government websites, economic development organizations, or reputable economic databases. Key indicators to consider are the degree of government intervention, ownership structure of industries, market competition, and regulation levels.
4. Analyze policies and regulations: Compare and contrast the policies and regulations implemented by each nation's government. Look for differences in taxation systems, trade policies, welfare programs, labor regulations, and the extent of state involvement in key industries.
5. Evaluate resource allocation: Examine how resources, such as labor, capital, and natural resources, are allocated in each nation. Consider factors like government ownership or control of strategic industries, the presence of subsidies, and the level of competition in markets.
6. Study market dynamics: Assess the level of competition and market openness in each nation. Look at factors like market entry barriers, antitrust regulations, intellectual property protection, and the role of competition authorities.
7. Consider social welfare measures: Examine the social welfare systems in place in each country. Look at the provision of healthcare, education, unemployment benefits, retirement plans, and income redistribution mechanisms to understand the degree of government intervention aimed at social welfare.
8. Apply the continuum: Based on your analysis, position each nation somewhere along the continuum between centrally planned and free market systems. Use labels such as "more centrally planned," "mixed," or "more free market" to describe each country's economic system. Be sure to provide evidence or justification for your placement.
Remember that economic systems are complex, and the categorization of a nation's economy as centrally planned or free market may not be absolute or static. It may be useful to consider the degree of government intervention and market forces across various economic sectors to obtain a comprehensive understanding.