Taxes

Two high-profile proposals to tax the rich are gaining attention and popular support. This activity has students explore these proposals, the historical precedent for them, and their possible benefits and pitfalls. 

In February 2019, community organizations declared victory when Amazon withdrew its plans to open a second headquarters in Queens, New York. Students explore what happened and the arguments for and against the Amazon deal that went down. 

In small groups, students read about and discuss some of the summer's news, including on climate change, elections, the Iran nuclear deal, and more.

This lesson uses the example of a bidding war by cities to become Amazon's second headquarters to explore the question of providing public subsidies to private companies. Students also learn about and discuss ways cities can ensure that companies like Amazon hold up their end of the bargain through...

The tax bill moving through Congress would affect many aspects of our lives. In this lesson, students learn about and discuss the bill and the debate surrounding it.   

The Republicans have introduced one of the largest tax overhaul plans in many years. In this lesson, students consider what taxes do and why Americans pay them; and examine the Republicans' proposed tax reform and how analysts are projecting it will affect the country.   

Critics say Republican tax proposals will increase economic inequality. This activity has students explore the current state of U.S. wealth inequality through a quiz, reading, an activity and discussion.  

After a quick quiz, students learn about the candidates' tax proposals and discuss our nation's complex and contentious tax policies.   

Students learn about and discuss the massive revelations included in the Panama Papers, the impact of tax avoidance on this scale, and how the story relates to the gap between rich and poor.  

Students learn some basic tax terminology, explore different candidates' tax plans, and take a short quiz on taxes.