There is an opportunity cost to every choice. Specialization - Specialization occurs when people produce a narrower range of goods and services that they consume. Specialization characterizes the actions of individuals, business firms, cities, regions, and countries. Exchange - Exchange is trading goods and services with people for other goods and services or for money. The simplest form of exchange is barter - the direct trading of goods or services.
Voluntary exchange gives people a broader range of choices in buying goods and services.
Voluntary exchange is a win-win situation since both parties expect to gain. Interdependence - Interdependence results as people and nations depend on one another to provide goods and services. Greater specialization and exchange lead to greater interdependence. People and societies develop economic systems to deal with the basic economic problems raised by scarcity and opportunity costs. The three fundamental economic systems are market, command, and traditional.