Capitalism is a form of economic model that emphasizes private ownership when it comes to production, trade, and industry. The goal of all capitalists is to use various inputs to earn profit. The main characteristics of capitalism are capital accumulation, competitive markets and wage labor. Since the fall of the communist Soviet Union, most of the world's nations have adopted capitalism as their primary economic model. However there are many forms of capitalism used throughout the world. There are four types of capitalism: free market capitalism, social market capitalism, state capitalism, and corporate capitalism. Free-market capitalism refers to an economic model in which the prices of goods and services are determined by market forces, not government intervention. Free-market capitalism adheres to the laissez-faire principle that the government does not interfere with the national economy except for the protection of property rights. Social market capitalism is in theory a free market economy, with the exception of limited government intervention. The government, in a limited capacity, interferes with price formation. The primary role of government is to provide entitlement services such as universal healthcare and universal education to all its citizens. The fundamental principle of state capitalism is control and ownership of the means of production. The management and organization of these industries are structured capitalistically, meaning that the main objective of a business entity within state capitalism is profit maximization. Usually countries that have adopted socialism in the present or in the past use state capitalism as their main economic model. Corporate capitalism is a capitalism... middle of paper... established culture in this country as a whole has seen more inequality than any other group in this nation. They were originally slaves, and after the Civil War the federal government failed to help free men and women assimilate and participate in the national economy. In the Southern United States, segregation was another restriction that made blacks even poorer. In current times access to higher education and loans to start and support Black-owned businesses are the biggest inequality hindering their efforts towards contributing to the economy. In conclusion, capitalism, no matter what form it may be in, has its winners and losers. Capitalism has been considered progressive and very successful in most countries. The key to a democratic country is the type of capitalist principle that the nation implements towards economic success.