Sample Response:
After analyzing the costs and benefits, I would pass the bill that ends child labor. Economically, the state of our country lies in the hands of these children. If they are not educated now, they will have difficulties advancing and helping society. Children need to be able to socially interact with other children. They also need to grow in a healthy lifestyle. Working in factories does not provide an interactive and healthy lifestyle. Politically, it seems to make sense to support those with money to help ensure my reelection. However, if this bill helps the greater good of society, then perhaps I could gain a larger support base.
Which of these ideas did you discuss in your response? Check all that apply.
In five to six sentences, use what you have learned to answer the following prompt.
After analyzing the costs and benefits of continuing child labor or passing a bill that prohibits child labor, which option do you think is the wisest decision, and why?
Be sure to include examples of economic, social, and political costs and benefits.
As president, you know that eventually your term will end and you will run for reelection. You also know that the United States needs to become more industrialized in order to compete with other countries. In addition, you enjoy seeing the rise of industry and the development and advancement of new technology. You also need to remember the people who will help you get back into office. Typically, the wealthy factory and mine owners will donate money to your campaign, but only if you give them what they want. They want child labor to continue because they want to make as much money as possible.
What are the political benefits of continuing with child labor? Check all that apply.
What is the effect of child labor on the US economy?
Some children begin working as early as age seven. Most of them work fifty to seventy hours per week, making it impossible for them to attend school. This puts our country in a difficult situation. If children do not attend school regularly, they cannot find better jobs when they become adults. They will only earn low wages, and they will not have as much money to spend, making it difficult for them to improve their standard of living. This could affect the overall economic health of the United States.In addition, children who work all of these hours do not have the time to be children and play. Their health begins to decline, since they are spending the whole day in dirty factories instead of outside in the fresh air. As president, you need to decide if this is an issue that the government needs or wants to take on. In the end, would eliminating child labor improve society and the American economy?
What are the social and economic costs of continuing with child labor? Check all that apply.
