Economic and Political Systems, Explained with Cows
Feudalism
You have two cows. Your lord claims a portion of their milk.
Pure Socialism
You have two cows. The government collects them and places them in a communal barn with everyone else’s cows. You’re responsible for the care of all the cows, and the government provides you with milk according to your needs.
Bureaucratic Socialism
You have two cows. The government takes them and houses them with all other cows. Former chicken farmers are now in charge of the cows. You, however, are assigned to care for the chickens that the government acquired from the chicken farmers. The government then allocates you milk and eggs based on official regulations.
Fascism
You have two cows. The government seizes both, employs you to care for them, and then sells you the milk.
Pure Communism
You have two cows. Your neighbors assist you in their care, and everyone shares the milk.
Russian Communism
You have two cows. You are obligated to care for them, but the government confiscates all the milk.
Cambodian Communism
You have two cows. The government takes both, and then executes you.
Dictatorship
You have two cows. The government takes both and then drafts you into service.
Pure Democracy
You have two cows. Your neighbors collectively decide who receives the milk.
Representative Democracy
You have two cows. Your neighbors elect a representative to determine who gets the milk.
Bureaucracy
You have two cows. Initially, the government regulates their feed and milking schedule. Then, it pays you not to milk them. Subsequently, it confiscates both, kills one, milks the other, and discards the milk. Finally, it demands you complete forms accounting for the missing cows.
Pure Anarchy
You have two cows. You either sell the milk at a reasonable price, or your neighbors attempt to steal your cows and kill you.
Libertarian/Anarcho-Capitalism
You have two cows. You sell one and purchase a bull.
Surrealism
You have two giraffes. The government mandates that you take harmonica lessons.
via sjgames.com