Just 35% of American voters believe that a free market economy is the same as a capitalist economy. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 38% disagree and 27% are not sure.

This helps explain earlier data showing that 77% prefer a free market economy over a government managed economy while just 53% prefer capitalism over socialism.

Those who earn over $75,000 annually are more likely than lower income voters to see capitalism and free markets as the same. But, even among upper income groups, only half agree that free markets and capitalism are the same.

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The survey also found that 36% believe capitalism unfairly concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society. A plurality--45%--disagree with that assessment. Men tend to disagree while women are evenly divided.

Fifty percent (50%) of Democrats believe that capitalism operates unfairly in this way but 61% of Republicans disagree. Among those not affiliated with either major party, 32% believe that capitalism unfairly concentrates wealth.

Earlier surveys have shown that 70% of voters nationwide believe that big business and big government typically work together against the interests of consumers and investors.

Other recent data shows that just 18% believe that the government and auto unions will do a good job running Chrysler and General Motors.

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