Position Statements 2

Econ 0858 (The American Economy) Spring 2017

Some Possible Topics for Position Statements 1 and 2

Position Statement #1 (Due Monday, March 20th)

 Should the minimum wage be eliminated, left alone, or increased? If you believe it should be

increased, state how much it should be increased and why.

 Legalization / decriminalization of drugs

Should marijuana be decriminalized (or legalized)? Yes or No

Should all drugs be decriminalized (or legalized)? Yes or No

Should the U.S abolish the death penalty? Yes or No

 Global warming

Should the U.S. commit more resources to the global warming issue? Yes or No

Should the U.S. energy policy include a carbon tax? Yes or No

 Progressive tax system (income inequality)

Should the Federal Income Tax system be more progressive (reduce income inequality)?

Yes or No

Should the federal government be doing more to reduce poverty in the U.S.? Yes or No,

and if so, what should they do?

 Social security

Should Social Security be privatized? Yes or No

(If you argue that it should be privatized, define what you mean by privatization.)

What should be done to fix the social security problem? (remember to use economic

arguments)

 Immigration

Do illegal immigrants hurt the U.S. economy? Yes or No, and what should the

government do about it (what changes should be made)?

 Position Statement #2 (Due Monday, April 17th)

 Health care

Should the U.S. have nationalized health care? Yes or No

Should medical malpractice awards be limited? Yes or No

Should the Affordable Care Act (ACA) be repealed? Yes or No

What should replace the Affordable Care Act? (arguments for and against your proposal)

 Agriculture

Should U.S. farm subsidies be reduced or eliminated? Yes or No

Should the U.S. subsidize the development of biofuels (e.g., ethanol)? Yes or No

Should the U.S. eliminate food tariffs and subsidies that have harmful effects on

underdeveloped countries?

 Tariffs and quotas

Do U.S. trade tariffs help the U.S. economically? Yes or No

Econ 0858 (The American Economy) Spring 2017

Is Fair Trade policy superior to Free Trade policy? Yes or No

(If you choose this, be sure to define what you mean by fair trade.)

 Market power (e.g., Wal-Mart)

Is Wal-Mart good for the American economy? Yes or No

Is market power good for the American economy? Yes or No

 The National Debt

Does the size of the national debt present an economic problem to the U.S.? Yes or No

If there is another topic or issue you would like to present, please see me for approval.