Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Unemployment
It's the classic paradox in this political cartoon analysis; any jobs plan requires extra government spending. However, the unemployed aren't willing to concede to more federal spending for what they want most, jobs. Background...
American Bar Association
What Is Separation of Powers?
Who has the power? Scholars investigate the creation of the three branches of government in the United States Constitution. They analyze just why the framers created the branches the way they did.
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The Tax Man Cometh
Students examine websites and resources related to Bush's 2001 tax plan. They discuss the history of taxes and other tax topics. They look for evidence in the local newspaper of government spending at work.
Curated OER
Government & Politics: Chapter 11.1
In this government worksheet, students reference their textbook to answer 27 fill in the blank questions and 3 short answer questions regarding the Constitution and the powers of Congress.
Curated OER
Paying for Government Services
Students identify major sources of revenue for government spending and identify the type of tax that makes up the largest percentage of the federal budget. They are introduced to the major services provided by local, state and national...
Curated OER
Economic Recovery? a Comparison of Indicators for Utah And the United States Since March 2001
Students discuss key business and consumer indicators that are used to measure the health of the economy. They compare the economic recovery (from the 2001 recession) of Utah and the United States. They discuss the benefits and...
Curated OER
Economics: Actions of Government
Students examine the susceptibility of legislators to agricultural lobbyists to support subsidy programs. In small groups, they role-play as members of interest groups that might be affected by inflation.
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Separation of Powers
Students examine the roles of each of the branches of U.S. government. For this checks and balances lesson, students watch Discovery video segments and discuss the concept of federalism as they create a school-wide policy for government...
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The Trial of Monty Terry
Students research and analyze the Federal Reserve System. They participate in a reader's theater, acting out the roles typical of a courtroom drama as they determine whether the defendant, Monty Terry, is guilty or innocent of...
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Democratic Village Elections in China: Comparing Governments of China and the United States
Learners explore democratic practices in China. In this global studies instructional activity, students compare and contrast democratic values of the Chinese government with the American government. Learners read provided articles and...
Curated OER
You Can Bank On It!
Students study the role of the Federal Reserve System as it relates to the supply of money and the availability of credit. They complete a web questionnaires from the research they conduct.
Federal Reserve Bank
Crowding Out
This is an incredible resource for teaching your young economists about the loanable funds market and the concept of crowding out. It includes a hands-on, physical activity that serves as a metaphor to help explain the economic practice.
Curated OER
Arguments Against Ratifying the Constitution
Students define federalism, Federalist, and Anti-Federalist, debate issue of ratification in classroom convention, and take vote on whether to add bill of rights. Three lessons on one page.
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Judicial Review
Student demonstrate understanding of both sides of the argument between Jefferson and Marshall that led to the strengthening of the Judicial Branch through the creation of judicial review. Unit is comprised of five lessons and fits into...
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Balance of Power
High schoolers explore the impact of the Federal Reserve Bank. In this central bank lesson, students read specific selections out of their textbooks about the history of the bank and its role in the U.S economy. High schoolers then...
Curated OER
The Fairfax County Budget -- A Look At Spending
Students brainstorm a list of items that should be a priority for the government to help its citizens. Using an out of date budget, they identify individual line items and the conflicts involved in making a budget work. They discuss...
College Board
2006 AP® Macroeconomics Free-Response Questions Form B
How does employment affect supply and demand? It may seem like a simple question, but an authentic prompt from College Board helps learners unpack various scenarios. Additional queries explore exchange rates and the effects of monetary...
Curated OER
Introduction to the National Debt
Students relate the national debt to the economy. In this algebra instructional activity, students discuss what the national debt is, create a national budget based on priority and what the government should spend money on. They analyze...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: The Economic Paradox
It's a classic conundrum of economics: voters want jobs, but don't want to spend the money required for businesses to hire. This political cartoon analysis learning exercise has high schoolers analyzing this enigma and responding to 3...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Dems and dat dang debt
Warm up the class with this political cartoon analysis. They use the provided guiding questions to analyze a cartoon depicting issues of debate regarding Federal debt. Critical thinking is a must with this learning exercise.
School Improvement in Maryland
Monetary Policy
As an introduction to monetary policy, groups investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of current monetary and fiscal policies on promoting full employment, price stability, and economic performance. They then apply monetary tools to...
ProCon
Social Security Privatization
Should Social Security be privatized, or is the government program fine just the way it is? Scholars read pro and con arguments and watch videos to learn more about the debate topic. Pupils also have an opportunity to interact with other...
ProCon
Obamacare
Former President Barack Obama reformed the United States' health care system with Obamacare, but is the new legislation good for America? Scholars read a historical timeline about the passage of health care reform laws and compare United...
Curated OER
State Government Debt in Utah: Rapid Growth in Recent Years
Learners examine growth of debt in Utah state government from 1991 to present, compare general obligation debt and revenue debt incurred by state, identify four primary methods used by governments to finance projects, and complete...