Should consumers buy items they don't really need? Scholars analyze how fiscal policy determines spending at a national level. The final podcast of a 21-part economic series discusses the role the federal government plays in using discretionary spending to avoid an economic recession. Discussion into the role of the government, and the use of tax dollars, results in an understanding of a nation's fiscal policy.

Concepts

fiscal policy, economics, recessions

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Extend the lesson with a research exercise exploring the current spending and budget of the United States government
• Brainstorm as a class a personal budget plan for an individual and change the plan as income rises or falls to show mandatory and discretionary spending

Classroom Considerations

• Podcast is available for grades 8-12 and beyond

Pros

• Lesson includes an online teacher portal of materials for classroom use
• Audio and visual learners benefit from the option of listening to the podcast or watching the video
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.2 RH.6-8.3 RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.3 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.3