1.
What
happens when governments control or dominate a national economy? 2.
Why
have most countries in the world turned back toward free-market capitalism
after 80 years of experimentation with socialism and communism? 3.
What
are the benefits and drawbacks of the capitalist economic system? 4.
What
happens when command economies transform into market economies? How is the
transition best undertaken? 5.
Is
there a relationship between open markets and political freedom? 6.
What
are the benefits and dangers of open flows of capital and trade in goods
across all national borders? 7.
What
have we learned about the effects of imposing price and wage controls, of
deficit spending, trade tariffs, subsidies and the government use of fiscal
vs. monetary policy? 8.
In
designing new rules for the evolving global economy, how should we address
the risks of economic contagion, currency and debt crises, and other dangers
to peace and stability? 9.
As
global capital markets have opened up and investors can invest or withdraw
support from entire national economies at will, what has been the impact of
"market discipline" on national economic and political autonomy? 10.
Is
the open market, capitalist economic philosophy now the only viable model for
fostering economic development and prosperity? |
Commanding Heights
(22 points)
Guided Questions/Notes (12)
Economic Architect Profile (5)
Select one of the economic architects listed at the commanding heights web site (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/commandingheights/lo/people/pe_architects.html) and prepare a summary of the profile information. There is no duplication of topics, so be sure you sign up for a unique person. Your summary should be typed, error free and less than two pages. Papers are due May 30.
U.S. vs. Other Country Table (5)
Select one of the countries, in addition to the United States listed at the commanding heights web site (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/commandingheights/lo/countries/index.html). There is no duplication of topics, so be sure you sign up for a unique county. Prepare a table that compares and contrasts the economic indicators for the United States and your selected country. The table should be typed. Papers are due May 30.