Economics [antikvár]

Our American economy can be called a mighty machine. It generates more than 100 millión jobs and produces more than $4 trillión in goods and services each year. It grows, it changes, and it extends arouncl the world. Rather amazingly, no single person or group is coordinating this activity; no one telis you, me, and millions Üke us to make a certain item. And yet still our needs are satisfied. The purpose of Economics: Our American Economy is to explore how this is possible. To begin, we will look at our whole economic system. Looking at the whole will involve basic economic ideas that explain how our economy functions. After that, we will consider the different groups that have major economic responsibilites. We will look at businesses, households, labor, government, and foreign nations in order to see each one s economic role. Essentially, we will move from a larger view to specific groups and ideas, creating a foundation that will enable us to conclude with thoughts about economic policy and the future. As economic topics unfold, a two-dimensional picture will gradually emerge. One half of the picture will be the theories and ideas that provide understanding and order. The other half will show how economic ideas truly happen, through stories of people, businesses, and events. The study of demand and supply, for example, will be exemplified through the New York Stock Exchange; when we consider mass production we will alsó learn about Apple Computer. Our American Economy concentrates on principles, people, and events. The principles side of economics provides the tools we need to understand the past and the present and to plan for the future. The people part shows us that we are never entirely predictable and that we frequently do very special things. For this reason, economics is both a science and an art that involves more than what economists say and do. It is a discipline that relates to all of us through the policies we support, the votes we east, and the careers we choose. All of us, from the most experienced economist to the newest student can contribute meaningfully. . . . So, lets begin! Acknowledgments Economics: Our American Economy has received the support, the wisdom, and the help of many people. The administration and Board of Trustees at Kent Place encouraged me to develop the curriculum and write the book, and they raised the money to fund the grant for the project. My students at Kent Place have used the manuseript and the activities. They have told me what was interesting, clear, and productive, and what should be eliminated or changed. Beyond Kent Place, foundations and individual donors have provided the funding for the project, and people at the Joint Council on Economic Education have enabled me to remain up to date on the content and pedagogy of honors and A.P. economics materials. Economists have read and evaluated chapters. Others have answered questions and sent me readings, videotapes,