---
entity_slug: mercantile_system_principles
entity_type: Principle
vsm_system: S5
type_rationale: The mercantile system principles represent abstract theoretical claims
  about the nature of wealth and trade that Smith argues are fundamentally flawed
  but persist across different economic contexts.
vsm_rationale: These principles operate at the policy level by defining the ultimate
  purpose and identity of colonial economic systems, establishing what the mercantile
  system considers to be legitimate national economic objectives.
classified_at: '2026-02-23T11:15:05.623477'
---

# Classification: Mercantile System Principles

## Entity Type

Principle

## VSM System

S5

## Type Rationale

The mercantile system principles represent abstract theoretical claims about the nature of wealth and trade that Smith argues are fundamentally flawed but persist across different economic contexts.

## VSM Rationale

These principles operate at the policy level by defining the ultimate purpose and identity of colonial economic systems, establishing what the mercantile system considers to be legitimate national economic objectives.