Lesson
Understanding Prosperity Through Government Roles and Freedom of Speech
Founding Principles
Individual Responsibility, Due Process, Freedom of Speech, Consent of the Governed
Virtues
Guiding questions
Video supplements additionally published on PolicyEd.org a product of Hoover Institution, Stanford University. To view them in their original format, click here.
Guiding Questions
- How does free speech impact economic prosperity?
- How does a marketplace of ideas support prosperity?
Objectives
- Students will define key terms: prosperity, economy, supply, demand, market.
- Students will explain the relationship between supply and demand and competition.
- Students will explain the connection between the principles of freedom of speech, a free society and economic prosperity.
- Students will explain the role of innovation in generating prosperity.
Materials
Student Resources:
- Hoover Institution Videos & Video Viewing Guides
- Optional Student Handout
- Explore Case Studies: Marketplace of Ideas Case Studies
- Glossary
Teacher Resources:
Lesson Components
Lesson plan
Key Terms
- Prosperity
- Economy
- Supply
- Demand
- Market
More Information
Facilitation Notes
- Depending on the level of scaffolding needed for your students, consider distributing the video viewing guides for added support.
- When discussing the “marketplace of ideas” later in the lesson be sure to help students understand the following concepts:
- When competition exists, products compete and the demand for the superior product rises
- Exercising First Amendment rights – or the free flow of ideas allows the marketplace of ideas to flourish.
- This applies to corporations too when they develop innovation ideas
- Bad ideas die of their own dead weight, while good ideas rise to the top.
- This is exhibited by the free market of supply and demand.
- Depending on how much time you have to dedicate to this lesson, you could choose to do both case studies listed under the “Explore” section, or choose to just do one.
Standards
Related materials
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?
How do prices reflect scarcity? How do prices impact prosperity in society? How does cooperation help mitigate scarcity?
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?
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?
How does free speech impact economic prosperity? How does a marketplace of ideas support 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?
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.