THE U.S. SUGAR PROGRAM: A Matter of National Security or Corporate Welfare?
Source: Council for Economic Education (EconEdLink) | Type: Lesson
ESSENTIAL QUESTION: Is the U.S. Sugar Program a necessary defense against disruptive global trade practices or lavish corporate welfare at the expense of the American consumer and commerce? Government policies often impact the mechanisms that the free market uses to set prices and every president has to deal with how to shape those government policies. In this lesson, students examine one example of government intervention in markets by looking at the U.S. Sugar Program to understand price floors and import quotas. Students will utilize the Structured Academic Controversy method to explore the U.S. Sugar Program as it is administered by the USDA. Through research and civil discourse, a clear understanding of the elements of the program will emerge. Students will gradually construct their own opinions on the merit of this policy.
Grades:
Concepts:
Standards:
Related Resources: