General Discussion

In a Social Democracy, the state/government steps in where the market fails. Social Programs support Health, Education, Security, some Scientific Research, etc., and regulates markets as needed but doesn't completely replace market capitalism and allows private ownership and profits.

Socialism is the Theory. Social Democracy is a successful practice of some of the theory up to a point, without the need for idealistic purity; government can do some thing, but doesn't necessarily have to do all things.

This is just one perspective, without an attempt to use rigorous definitions. I prefer Socialism. I recognize the astounding success of Social Democracy and embrace it. Unfortunately, too many Republicans reject Socialism, Social Democracy, and Democracy itself.