Government intervention in the economy
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Introduction
In this activity, students learn why and how governments intervene in the economy. They consolidate their understanding by researching and developing questions for a board game. Students then play the game.
This activity contributes to the following outcomes.
A student:
- applies consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment concepts and terminology in a variety of contexts COM5-1
- researches and assesses information using a variety of sources COM5-7
- explains information using a variety of forms COM5-8
- works independently and collaboratively to meet individual and collective goals within specified timeframes COM5-9.
Related Stage 4 outcomes: COM4-1, COM4-7, COM4-8, COM4-9
Content descriptions
Core 2: The economic and business environment
The nature of the economy
Students:
- explain the interdependence between different sectors of the economy, for example the role of the government in protecting consumers.
The nature of markets within the economy
Students:
- examine the reasons for government intervention in the market, for example energy pricing, prevention of environmental degradation, conservation of natural resources.
Core 3: Employment and Work Futures
Work and wellbeing
- the redistribution of income through taxation, and government expenditure, e.g. in education, health, infrastructure and social welfare (ACHEK052).
Teacher resources
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Government intervention in the economy
Snakes and ladders - Game board
Student learning resources
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Government intervention in the economy
Snakes and ladders
Snakes and ladders - Questions
Suggested activity sequence
This sequence is intended as a framework to be modified and adapted by teachers to suit the needs of a class group.
- Use the visualiser to explain how the government intervenes in the economy (slides 2 and 3). As you are explaining the information, invite students to provide further examples.
- Use a grouping strategy to organise students into groups of 4.
- Groups brainstorm examples of the following categories of goods/services and benefits and record their answers on the recording sheet.
- Good or service provided by governments.
- Good or service with social benefits that are provided by private enterprise.
- Good or service with social costs.
- Cash benefit provided by the Australian Government to individuals and families.
- Invite groups to share the results of their brainstorm with the class. As groups listen to the responses of other groups, they add examples to their recording sheet.
- Read the student instructions as a class.
- Students research and develop their questions and record their questions and answers on the questions template.
- Give each group:
- Snakes and ladders – Game board
- 4 playing pieces
- 1 dice.
- Students play snakes and ladders.
- When students have finished playing the game, discuss the role of Australia’s taxation system as a mechanism for intervening in the economy. Display and discuss the final slide on the visualiser following the discussion