In a nutshell, Democratic Socialism puts the power back into the hands of the people. The government first and foremost meets the needs of citizens, not businesses. This is achieved through several methods, including higher taxation—which is also one of Democratic Socialism’s biggest criticisms. What many do not realize is that this taxation tends not to be extraordinarily higher than what Americans pay today, when tax loopholes for the very wealthy and for large corporations are eliminated. With higher taxes come more services such as health care and education, allowing people from low economic backgrounds the same opportunities they need and deserve.

Democracy, Capitalism and Socialism can all exist within one society. Most, if not all, countries deemed Socialist also have a market-­based economy with private corporations. Socialism helps ensure that these corporations are law-abiding, and are often given incentives to act in a way that benefits its workers. Socialist policies also tend to result in Unions that further prioritize workers, giving them a voice.

Democratic Socialism and Communism are not interchangeable, as many believe them to be.

Though Communism and Democratic Socialism have similar criticisms of Capitalism, structurally and philosophically they are very different. Democratic Socialism involves electing officials through popular vote, hence the name. Communism, on the other hand, often results in totalitarian leadership because the people do not have the power to make political decisions.

The economies in both systems also vary greatly. Under Communism, there is no privately-owned property. The goal of Marxist Communism is to create a classless society, which eliminated Capitalism. Everything is owned and regulated by the government. Both private and public property exist under Democratic Socialism. Capitalism exists in a Democratic Socialist society, but with more regulation.