Contemporary American Problems

Topic 1: Daily Current Events

Topic 2: Federalism

Topic 3:

State Government

Topic 4: Constitutional Principles

Topic 5: Powers reserved to State governments

Topic 6: The Role of County government

Topic 7: Media & Influence - Propaganda

Topic 8: Media & Influence - What is its role?

Topic 9: Media &  Influence - Interest Groups

Topic 10: Government & the Economy

Topic 11: Government & the Market Economy

Topic 12: Government Taxation

Topic 13: Government Spending 

Topic 14: Personal Role in Saving and Investing

What in the world is going on?

• Explain daily what events are taking place at the International, National, State, and Local levels. 

• Describe how the daily discussion on current events can or has impacted them today and future ramifications.

• MTC: Make the connections of daily events to topic(s) covered in the course.

What is federalism and how is it designed to work in the United States?

• Define federalism and explain the division of power between states and the federal government.

• Identify expressed, implied, reserved, and concurrent powers.

• Explain the significance of the Supremacy Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause.

• Describe the ongoing tension between federal and state power.

• Compare and contrast federal, confederal, and unitary forms of government.

• Identify the strengths and weaknesses of federalism.

What is the role of the state government in federalism?

• Explain the source and nature of state and local governmental power.

• Distinguish reserved powers from federal powers.

• Identify types of powers that are held at the state or local level.

• Examine the differences between statewide laws and local ordinances/laws

What were the key principles the Founding Fathers thought were critical to a free society?

• Analyze the basic principles of the U.S. Constitution

• Identify relationships among popular sovereignty, consent of the governed, limited government, rule of law, federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances

• Describe how these principles are incorporated into the Constitution

• Explain the concerns that led the Founders to value these principles

How do State  powers differ from Federal powers?

• Explain the source and nature of state and local governmental power.

• Distinguish reserved powers from federal powers.

• Identify types of powers that are held at the state or local level.

• Examine the differences between statewide laws and local ordinances/laws.

• Explain the duties of various local officials.

What does the county level of government do?

• Identify counties as an extension of state government.

• Define Dillon’s Rule and Home Rule.

• Identify the organizational structures and duties of county government, including the names and functions of county officials.

• Identify the types of services counties provide.

• Compare counties’ revenue sources.

• Identify the effect of unfunded mandates on counties.

What impact does propaganda & the media have on public perception?

• Differentiate among forms of persuasive media.

• Identify bias, propaganda, and symbolism in the media.

• Identify forms of propaganda in use.

What is the role the media plays in reporting the news and setting the agenda?

• Analyze the role of mass media in monitoring and influencing government and the public sphere.

• Explain the impact of the media on monitoring and influencing government and the public sphere.

• Analyze media communications for bias.

• Recognize the media acting in its roles as  gatekeeper, agenda-setter, and watchdog.

How much influence do interest groups have? 

• Identify three ways groups and organizations can influence the actions of government.

• Explain how individuals, public opinion, associations and groups form and carry out public policy.

• Describe the position of opposing groups on a public policy issue.

To what degree should a government be involved in regulating the economy?

• Compare the government’s role in free market, command, and mixed economies.

• Analyze the role of consumers, private producers, and the government in the U.S. mixed economy.

• Explain the effects of government policies on the free market.

• Describe how government policies allow either free or restricted trade.

• Identify U.S. laws and regulations adopted to promote economic competition.

• Identify U.S. laws protecting consumer rights and avenues of recourse.

How powerful is individual choice in maintaining a market economy?

• Describe the characteristics of a market economy, including the principle and protection of private property rights.

• Identify the relationship among supply, demand, scarcity, and opportunity cost.

• Analyze how profit, incentive, and competition motivate individuals, households, and businesses.

• Describe the circular flow that shows the interaction among consumers/households, businesses/producers, and markets.

• Analyze how changes in technology, costs, and demand interact in competitive markets to determine or change the price of goods and services.

• Compare the market economy to other types of economies (command, traditional, mixed).

What impact does government taxation have on the economy?

• Identify the government’s sources of tax revenue

• Explain that the government uses tax money to provide certain goods and services.

• Explain how federal, state, and local taxes support the economy as a function of the U.S. government.

• Describe the impact of taxation.

• Analyze a pay stub.

• Calculate sales tax and compare the effect of different tax rates on total price paid.

What role does government spending have on society and personal liberties?

• Describe what a budget is.

• Compare the national budgeting process to the personal budgeting process.

• Explain the difference between a surplus and a deficit.

• Explain why and how the government borrows money.

• Analyze federal spending data.

• Make cuts to a fictional personal budget.

• Identify reasons for people’s differing views about government spending.

What can one do to help your individual wealth by investing?

• Describe the role of the Federal Reserve as the nation’s central bank.

• Explain the impact of banks and the Federal Reserve on the money supply and the national economy.

• Identify the importance of saving and borrowing in the U.S.

• Identify the role of banks in channeling funds from savers to borrowers.

• Explain that the government creates currency and coins and that there are additional forms of money.

• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using credit.