An Introductory WebQuest on Democracy and the National Debt

Intro · Question · Rubric · Background · QuickQuest · Roles · Group · Conclusion · Help · Dictionary

Probably you! That's who's going to foot the bill. At least you will in the future because the United States' national debt stands at over 5 trillion dollars (that's a five with, uh... 12 zeroes after it?).

If we don't like the idea that the U.S. Government uses money it doesn't have, why don't we all pitch in right now to clear the debt once and for all? Maybe you've already sampled Money Matters? and have some ideas about saving & spending? So, you know, we could all dig deep into our pockets, raid our piggy banks, give up a couple goodies, maybe even skip a present or two on our birthdays?

Yeah, right. How about this question: you got $20,000 in your savings? Even if you did, would you mind not going to college or putting off buying your own home someday?

What about this plan: we can skip lunch and save that money... For the next 18 years!? At $3.00 per lunch, day-in and day-out that's what it would take. Does this bother you at all?

And why are you kids the ones who will have to pay off the U.S. National Debt? Ummm... because adults don't feel like it? How about now? Are you getting angry yet?

But wait! Some people say we don't need to worry about the debt. What we need is to keep growing the economy. After all, with the Internet and e-commerce, we live in a new era where it's important to boost the global economy. Then the debt will take care of itself.

Do you find all these huge numbers and disagreeing arguments confusing? Are you tempted to just ignore it? Have you got twenty grand in the bank? Thought so. Maybe we better look into this a little more deeply? Maybe even do something about it?

Welcome to democracy! Now let's get busy on this WebQuest.

Move through the links below to complete this WebQuest. Start with the Question / Task or turn to the Help! page for a Teacher's Guide. The Rubric link shows how students completing the WebQuest could be evaluated. The Dictionary link pops open a small window so users can find definitions online.

Created May, 1996. Last revised February, 2005 by Tom March, tom at ozline dot com Applications Design Team/Wired Learning http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/democracy/debtquest.html Copyright © 1996 - 2005 SBC Communications -- All Rights Reserved