Overview
What is the Jones Act and what happens when a law meant to protect American jobs ends up hurting consumers and slowing recovery after disasters? Explore how the Merchant Marine Act of 1920—known as the Jones Act—affects shipping, trade, and national defense. Students will examine the law’s impact on prices, innovation, and emergency relief, then consider how open competition and voluntary exchange can drive progress and prosperity.

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Lesson Insights

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

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• identify examples of how the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 affects disaster response and trade between U.S. ports;
• explain the idea of protectionism and contrast it with open competition;
• analyze the Jones Act’s economic impact on consumers, producers, and innovation; and
• evaluate potential consequences—both intended and unintended—of repealing or reforming the Jones Act.

Key concepts and terms covered
Monopoly, Protectionism, Regulation, and Voluntary Exchange.

Sample discussion questions
• What is the Jones Act and what was it originally intended to do?
• What examples from the video show how the Jones Act influences disaster response and recovery?
• Why do supporters argue that the Jones Act is important for national security?
• If protecting one group’s jobs raises costs for millions of consumers, how should policymakers decide whose interests come first?
• The video argues that competition benefits everyone in the long run. Can you think of a time when allowing choice helped more people than restricting it did?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 21-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, classroom activities, and the full video transcript.

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