Curriculum

Building Blocks of Progress

Essential Question

Why is individual liberty crucial for prosperity? What is the role of the individual, government, and the economy in the creation and maintenance of a free society? Use the lesson and videos to answer these questions with your students.

Grade: 8–12
Published: Jul 14, 2022

This resource is presented in partnership with the Hoover Institution. Video supplements originally published on PolicyEd.org a product of Hoover Institution, Stanford University.

Founding Principles

Individual Responsibility, Property Rights

Virtues

Contribution, Integrity, Initiative, Responsibility, Resourcefulness

Curriculum resources

A straight empty road stretches towards distant snow-capped mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

LessonUnderstanding Prosperity Through Scarcity, Choices, and Consequences

How do prosperous societies differ from unprosperous societies in addressing the issue of scarcity? Why are individual liberty and limited government important in expanding prosperity?

Sunlight filtering through tall corn plants against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

LessonUnderstanding Prosperity Through Scarcity, Price, and Economy

How do prices reflect scarcity? How do prices impact prosperity in society? How does cooperation help mitigate scarcity?

Oil pump jack operating in an open field against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

LessonUnderstanding Prosperity Through Change, Progress, and Trade

How does trade increase individual and societal prosperity? How has the world made economic progress in the past few centuries? What does it mean to prosper individually versus living in a prosperous society?

Statue of Lady Justice holding scales, representing fairness and the law.

LessonUnderstanding the Role of Constitutional Government in Promoting Economic Prosperity

Why is equality important for achieving prosperity? How does rule of law create a stable and predictable environment for economic prosperity? What is the proper role of the government in regulating the economy?

The Michigan State Capitol building with its distinctive dome and flag against a partly cloudy sky.

LessonUnderstanding Prosperity Through Government Roles and Freedom of Speech

How does free speech impact economic prosperity? How does a marketplace of ideas support prosperity?

Aerial view of a city skyline with tall skyscrapers under a blue sky with wispy clouds.

LessonBuilding to Prosperity

What does it mean to live a prosperous life? What role do social safety nets play in a prosperous society? How do people rise out of poverty in prosperous societies?