Hands on Banking

Today, we will start our economic unit.  You will start with clicking on the following link:
Hands on Banking

When you have passed the test, you may play the Federal Reserve Chairman Game

The Federal Reserve is able to influence the economy through interest rates.
When the unemployment rate (percentage of people not working) is high, the Federal reserve will lower interest rates.  This causes people to spend money rather than save it in a bank account with low interest rates.  When people spend money on products, businesses are able to make more money, and possibly hire more people.  It also leads to people and businesses getting new loans from banks because they will pay a lower interest rate on loans.  When people borrow money for cars, homes, etc. it tends to lead to more jobs and helps to lower the unemployment rate.   Businesses are also more likely to get loans to expand their business and hire more people.  The ideal unemployment rate is 5%- That means 95% of people who can work, are working.  Those people get paid to work, spend their money on products and help businesses keep the economy running.

When the unemployment rate is low (below 5%), and lots of people are working and have money to spend, the price of goods tends to rise (inflation).  The ideal inflation rate is 2%- that means the cost of products rises by 2% in a years time.  If the rate of inflation rises, the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates.  When this happens, people tend to put their money in a bank where they can receive a higher interest rate rather than spend it.   It also means that people and businesses are less likely to get loans from banks because they know they will have to pay a higher interest rate.  With less money being spent in the economy, the unemployment rate will tend to rise- less money, fewer jobs.

When you play the Fed Game you will need to watch the economy closely to raise or lower interest rates to keep the economy running smoothly!

The War of 1812- James Madison's speech to Congress

Today, we will take a look at President Jame's Madison's speech to Congress recommending war with Great Britain.  You have questions on a Google Doc.  I will assign a color to you in class.
You will need to make a copy, answer the questions, and share with me.


Orange

Red

Purple

Green

When finished, you may play a game that let's you see the job of a powder monkey on the USS Constitution, a famous ship from the war of 1812:  Powder Monkey

Should America go to war in 1812?

Today, we will examine the arguments for and against declaring war on the British in the summer of 1812. Using an online simulation/game, you will examine numerous regional perspectives from across the country to identify the reasons given to declare and not declare war on the British. You will assess the various reasons in order to cast your vote if the United States Congress should declare war.  After completing the simulation, you will complete a written response regarding the complexity of the causes of the War of 1812 and assessing the reasons the nation was divided on the war.

Click on the following link to start the simulation, there are eight videos to watch, make sure you take notes on the hand-out you were given in class:  Simulation

The Louisiana Purchase

The purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France in October 1803 doubled the size of the United States and foreshadowed its emergence as a global power. The purchase marked an unprecedented use of executive power by President Thomas Jefferson and evoked strong resistance from Federalists. In this lesson, a timeline of the purchase along with letters by Federalist leaders help you to decide whether practical concerns or political agendas motivated the opposition.

You will all be answering questions today from the assignment- however, there are four groups of you that need different types of questions.  Click on the link color that I assign in class to go to the proper Google Doc.  Copy the document, answer the questions, then share with me.

GREEN

PURPLE

RED

ORANGE