COMMAND SYSTEM

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?

In a pure command economy, all the economic decisions are made by a central authority. It therefore follows that the authority would have the power to force individuals to follow the central plan even if it is against their will.

Correct.  You should agree.

Without the power of coercion (coercion is the use of threats or force to persuade someone to do something), the central authority would not be able to function efficiently and the whole system would soon fall apart.

Think again.

Without the power of coercion (coercion is the use of threats or force to persuade someone to do something), the central authority would not be able to function efficiently and the whole system would soon fall apart.

2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?

In a pure command economy, resources are always allocated and distributed efficiently.

Think again.  You should disagree.

A command economy requires a large amount of incredibly complicated planning in order to efficiently allocate and distribute resources. Unfortunately, in practice, human error or corruption often occurs because of the immense complexity of the economy, leading to misallocation of resources.

Correct.  You should agree.

A command economy requires a large amount of incredibly complicated planning in order to efficiently allocate and distribute resources. Unfortunately, in practice, human error or corruption often occurs because of the immense complexity of the economy, leading to misallocation of resources.

3. By whom are major economic decisions made in a command economy?

Think again.

In a command economy, major economic decisions are made by officials and bureaucrats. Wholesalers are a type of firm or business, that will also be under the authority of the government in a command economy.

Think again.

In a command economy, major economic decisions are made by officials and bureaucrats. Manufacturers of industrial goods’ are a type of firm or business, that will also be under the authority of the government in a command economy.

Think again.

In a command economy, major economic decisions are made by officials and bureaucrats.

4. Which one of the following is a strength of a command economy?