EBAS - Economics

TASK
The student will demonstrate the ability to evaluate sources and use evidence.
-The student will evaluate the credibility of the sources by considering the authority, origin, type, context, and corroborative value of each source.
- The student will identify credible, relevant information contained in sources.

The student will demonstrate the ability to communicate and critique conclusions.
- The student will construct arguments using precise and knowledgeable claims, with evidence from multiple sources. 

The student will utilize the principles of economic costs and benefits and opportunity cost to analyze the effectiveness of government policy in achieving socio economic goals by: 
- Explaining how the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the unemployment rate, and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measure economic performance. 
- Explaining how the business cycle reflects economic instability, including periods of inflation and recession.

INTRODUCTION
A student is researching the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and its effectiveness of measuring economic strength in the United States. The students’ compelling question is:

Should Gross Domestic Product (GDP) be used as the primary economic indicator to measure the strength of the United States economy?

Use the sources provided below to answer the question.
BACKGROUND
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the calculation of the total goods and services produced in a country in a year.  GDP is used as the primary indicator of a country’s economic success.  There are many factors that influence GDP including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the unemployment rate.

Which source provides the best evidence for the claim above? 

Which of the following document(s) would most likely corroborate RFK's message in Source B? 

Using Source D, what could happen to the overall GDP in a country when the unemployment rate increases?

Which statement below explains the cartoonist’s message in Source D?

Which perspective about Index of Social Health versus GDP growth is most evident in Source C?  

Assume that the information provided in the sources is credible. Complete the following extended-response question:
Should Gross Domestic Product (GDP) be used as the primary economic indicator to measure the strength of the United States economy?
- Develop a claim in response to the question.
- Cite evidence from the provided sources to support your claim. 
- Use your knowledge of government in your response.
- A rubric is added at the end of the page to assist you.