Commerce
Commerce is a term we hear all the time in the news. Is it lively, is it in the doldrums? But really do we mean by commerce and how does it affect ordinary citizens like you?
Commerce is defined as the exchange of goods, which have a predetermined value, between people and/or companies. Historically speaking, commerce began when a farmer traded any excess crops he had grown with a neighbor who was raising animals. This arrangement between farmer and shepherd insured that the both of them had produce and meat to eat. This arrangement is known as bartering, and is not always reliable or efficient. For instance, what if the crops are not ripened at the time when there are animals available? Because of situations like this commodity money was developed, which became a third, but vital part of commerce which allowed trade to run more smoothly.
In the United States we believe in a capitalistic economy, in which commerce plays an essential role. In capitalism individuals or companies create things of value to sell. Commerce permits the seller to earn a profit from trading his goods or service, and the more widespread the commerce is, then the more demand there will be for those goods and services. Therefore, commerce should be allowed as much freedom as possible for a healthy, growing economy.
