Why We Need Laws to Protect Workers and Consumers

American Capitalism, Labor, and Economic Inequality

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Evaluate how workplace safety standards, wage laws, and anti-discrimination mandates balance economic growth with worker well-being.

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American Capitalism, Labor, and Economic Inequality

9th Grade · Social Studies · US-NY-SS

11 lessons

Goal

Examine the evolution of the United States economy, labor relations, entrepreneurship, government regulation, and ongoing debates over inequality.

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Learning standards covered

12.E3bNew York Social Studies Standards · 10th Grade

The government’s evolving role in protecting property rights, regulating working conditions, protecting the right to bargain collectively, and reducing discrimination in the workplace has attempted to balance the power between workers and employers. This role shifts in response to government’s need to stimulate the economy balanced against the need to curb abusive business practices.

12.E3dNew York Social Studies Standards · 10th Grade

A degree of regulation, oversight, or government control is necessary in some markets to ensure free and fair competition and to limit unintended consequences of American capitalism. Government attempts to protect the worker, ensure property rights, and to regulate the marketplace, as well as to promote income equality and social mobility, have had varied results.