EBAS - Domestic Policy

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 analyze the roles and relationships of regions on the formation and implementation of government policy by:
• Analyzing the importance of regional characteristics and interests including economic development and population shifts in formulating local, state, and national government policy.

INTRODUCTION Students are asked by their teacher to research benefits and drawbacks of increasing the federal minimum wage. Based on their research, they must decide whether raising the federal minimum wage is beneficial for the country or not. The students’ compelling question is this:

Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

The students have found the following sources. Use the sources to answer the questions that follow.

BACKGROUND The federal minimum wage, introduced in 1938 during the Great Depression under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was initially set at $0.25 per hour. The federal minimum wage has been increased by Congress 22 times, most recently in 2009 from $6.55 to $7.25 an hour. Most states plus DC have a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage, though several states do not have minimum wage laws (which means workers in those states default to the federal minimum wage)

Key Terms Minimum wage - the lowest wage permitted by law Default - to refer back to

Which source provides the best evidence for the claim above?

Based on the data in Source C, what trend is most accurate about minimum wage?

Which statement below is corroborated by both Sources B and C?

Which statement below explains the data in Source A?

Which perspective about raising the minimum wage is supported by Source D?

Assume that the information provided in the sources is credible. Complete the following extended-response question:

Should the federal minimum wage be increased? 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.