Economy and government role of government activity1

Activity - Discussion on role of Government in economy

Estimated Time

One period

Multimedia resources

Presentation on role of Government in economy

Website interactives/ links

25 minute video, bit long but gives good basic information about role of Government in economy

Process

Ask students to bring news items of government actions that affect the economy, from the newspapers or from TV (many channels have regular debates on Government actions, some of which are economic in nature). Almost every day, there is some news item or another of the Government investing in some economic activities, regulating some activities, prohibiting some activities, promoting some activities.

The news items also would suggest that many of these actions are criticised by other actors.

Students can also see the presentation and discuss in what ways does the Government need to play a role in economic activities.

What questions can you ask

1. Make a list of different kinds of Government actions and describe the specific news items.
2. What are the various grounds or bases on which Government role or intervention is criticised?
3. Should Government invest in manufacturing activities? Which sectors should Governments avoid getting into, for manufacturing?

Activity keywords

To link back to the concept page Economy_And_Government