The document discusses different economic systems including capitalism, mercantilism, communism, socialism, and market economies. It provides background on the origins and key concepts of each system. Capitalism emerged in Europe during the Enlightenment and has roots in earlier mercantilism practices from Rome and the Middle Ages. Communism is based on the political philosophy outlined by Karl Marx in The Communist Manifesto. Socialism argues for public rather than private control of resources. Market economies rely on supply and demand with little government intervention.