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Socialism Watch terms
The left's program, called by its name.
Democratic socialism A form of socialism that pursues collective ownership or extensive public provision through elections and democratic institutions. Progressivism A political tradition that favors using government to promote social reform, economic fairness and expert-led solutions to public problems. Superdelegate A Democratic National Convention delegate who is a party official or elected leader and is not bound to the primary results. Green New Deal A 2019 congressional resolution proposing a ten-year national mobilization to cut emissions, create jobs and expand social programs. Collectivism The view that the group, whether class, nation or community, takes priority over the individual in setting values and policies. Communism A system, or the ideology behind it, aiming for a classless society with common ownership of property, historically led by one-party states. Equality of outcome The idea that policy should aim to produce similar results, such as incomes or representation, across individuals or groups. Knowledge problem The argument that no central planner can gather the dispersed information needed to run an economy as effectively as markets do. Marxism The body of social and economic theory derived from Karl Marx, centered on class conflict and the replacement of capitalism. Socialism An economic and political system in which the means of production are owned or controlled collectively or by the state rather than privately. Universal basic income A proposal for regular cash payments to all citizens or residents, regardless of income or work status. Wealth tax A recurring tax on the total net worth of individuals above a threshold, rather than on their annual income. Administrative state A term for the federal agencies that make and enforce rules with binding effect, often seen as a fourth branch of government. Congressional Review Act A 1996 law letting Congress overturn federal agency rules by a simple-majority resolution that is immune to Senate filibuster. Cost-benefit analysis A method that weighs the estimated costs and benefits of a policy or regulation, usually in dollar terms, to judge whether it is worthwhile. Deregulation The reduction or removal of government rules governing business and economic activity. Enumerated powers The specific powers the Constitution grants to Congress and the federal government, chiefly the list in Article I, Section 8. Federalism A system dividing governing power between a national government and state governments, each with its own sphere of authority. Limited government The principle that government power should be restricted by a constitution or law to defined purposes, leaving most matters to individuals and society. Means testing Limiting government benefits to people whose income or assets fall below a certain level. Nanny state A pejorative for government that is seen as overprotective, regulating personal choices for people's own good. Nondelegation doctrine The principle that Congress may not hand its lawmaking power to agencies or others without clear limits on how it is used. Occupational licensing State laws requiring workers in certain jobs to obtain a government license, often involving training, exams and fees, before practicing. Public choice theory The application of economic analysis to political behavior, treating voters, politicians and bureaucrats as self-interested actors. Regulatory capture The tendency of a regulatory agency to come under the influence of the industry it is supposed to oversee, serving it more than the public. Welfare state A system in which government provides or guarantees programs, such as pensions, health care and income support, to protect citizens' basic welfare.