Overview
News reports, articles, and websites tell us of the waning belief in capitalism. What do you think about capitalism? Is capitalism evil? Or has it lifted billions of people out of poverty? This segment looks at capitalism.

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Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Economics and Personal Finance
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• explain various views of capitalism;
• compare and contrast capitalism as a synonym for free markets and the economic system in our country today; and
• weigh the effects of capitalism and communism.

Key concepts and terms covered
Capitalism and Entrepreneur.

Sample discussion questions
• What is capitalism?
• John Stossel said that where there is capitalism, there is income inequality. Does that matter? Don’t some people deserve to make more than others? What about sports stars? Entrepreneurs and inventors? Corporate executives? Should there be any limits on how much people can make? Why / Why not?
• Why do you think some people want to change or tamper with free markets?
• What incentives are there to invent, to create, to produce in socialist or communist countries? In which countries do you think people live better? Why?
• In which system are people the most free? Why? Is freedom more important than being equal? Why / Why not? 67

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 16-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, and classroom activities.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.