Activity 1 page 3

 Read

Read "What's a Crown corporation?" on page 207 of your textbook, Issues for Canadians.

Consider whether you agree or disagree that governments in Canada should own Crown corporations.

Place your thoughts on your Government Involvement in the Economy chart.

Save your chart to your Activities folder.

In general, the United States follows a policy reflecting the belief that government should have minimal involvement in the economy. As you learned in Activity 1, this is called a market economy. The government's main role in this type of economy is to allow individual businesses to succeed or fail on their own. Government gets involved in the economy only when challenges of national concern arise. These concerns might include environmental issues, competitive marketplace, and protection of the nation.

An example of this government involvement occurred in 2008 and 2009 when the American and world economies struggled greatly. The president of the United States was required to support industries such as banks and automobile manufacturers so that these industries would not collapse and leave millions of Americans without employment.

Read "Why do governments get involved in market economics?" on pages 214 and 215 of the textbook, Issues for Canadians. Consider what the economy and your quality of life might be like if government was not involved.

Place your thoughts in your Government Involvement in the Economy chart.

In your Government Involvement in the Economy chart, respond to the Critical Thinking Challenge question on page 215 of your textbook, Issues for Canadians.

As well, consider the similarities and differences between how the Canadian and the United States governments are involved in their respective economies.

Then, place your completed chart in your Activities folder.

©Thinkstock

©Thinkstock

How do the Canadian government and the United States government deal with economic issues?


Read the following case studies in your textbook, Issues for Canadians:

• "Case Study 1: The Case of the Canadian Filmmaker" on pages 219 to 224
• "Case Study 2: The Case of the Disappearing Jobs" on pages 226 to 227
  
  

As you work through the case studies, consider how both the Canadian government and the United States government might deal with each issue. As well, keep in mind your own thoughts about what should be done.

Complete the Case Study Analysis graphic organizer to summarize the main points and collect interesting statements.

Click on one of the links below to access the activity.
Case Study Analysis (Word)
Case Study Analysis (pdf)
Case Study Analysis (Google Doc)

Consider what benefits Canadians experience as a result of government involvement. Place your thoughts on this matter in the Other Issues column of the organizer.

Save your organizer to your Activities folder.

Going Beyond

 Internet Web Search

Investigate the role of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Determine what the CRTC does and what it is doing today to improve telecommunications and broadcasting in Canada.