Introduction
This lesson is included because of the many contemporary problems faced by all levels of government. As citizens, students will have to be able to propose and evaluate solutions. Have students practice frequently with the template using various issues mentioned in newspapers, news magazines, and the following web sites:
Sample Web Sites
ABC News
CNN News
New York Times
Afro American Newspapers
The lesson plan and sample student response sheet were developed to match:
Standard
Students will utilize principles of economic costs and benefits and opportunity cost to analyze the effectiveness of government policy in achieving
socio-economic goals.
Indicator
Students will evaluate solutions and strategies used to solve problems.
Students will need statistics on taxes, demographics, and businesses for this lesson. Provide local community data if possible, or use this information:
Maryland sales tax
County income tax
County property tax
Residents with children in school
Major businesses/employers
Other revenue sources
$.05 per dollar
55% of federal income tax
$2.00 per $1000 assessed value
65%
(will vary)
Recreation fees, lotteries, etc.
Below is the funding problem that students will use in this lesson. Make an overhead transparency or place it on the board.
The local government needs $10 million to repair aging schools and must decide on the best way to raise this money. |
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