Crisis in the Union

Read at least three of the articles available on cnn.com regarding the plight of Greece, the European Union and the Euro itself.  Then, write a three paragraph explanation of what you have learned regarding this topic.  Include links to the three articles you read and two pictures that add understanding to what you have written.

You Make the Policy

We know that the economy can be affected by many different factors.  Government policies, such as levels of taxation, can also have either a positive or negative impact on not only consumer spending but also production , employment and many other indicators of an economy's strength.

This simulator, http://www.bized.co.uk/virtual/economy/index.htm, allows you to create your own policies and see the outcome that each has on people within your society.  While it operates on the English Pound, you get the idea of how changes in various factors create benefit or detriment within your economy. 

Your assignment today is to play with this simulator and learn what effects your policies have on the economy. 

John Maynard Keynes

Keynes was one of the most prominent economic minds of the 20th Century - his influence continues to shape economic policy throughout the world.  Your assignment is to briefly study his life and his contributions to the study of economics.

Research Keynes life and write a summary which includes the following ideas:

1. What were his early, formative years like?  How did he become the person he became?
2. What were his important ideas concerning World War I?
3. What was his influence during the Great Depression?
4. What did he suggest during the years of World War II?
5. What are the "big ideas" for which he is best known?

Be sure to include links to your sources of information and include two relevent pictures with your post.