Unit 6: Lesson 36 - Should We Worry About the National Debt?

Students discuss the size of the current national debt and what this means. A class discussion covers the causes of the debt, how it is financed, definitions of a budget deficit and budget surplus, and the difference between a budget deficit and a trade deficit. Students then participate in an activity presenting different perspectives on whether the national debt is a problem of major concern.

Concepts:

• Bond
• Bonds
• Budget
• Budget Deficit
• Budget Surplus

• Standard #17: Government Failure
• Standard #20: Fiscal and Monetary Policy