Evaluating Trade Issues

Now that you are familiar with trade barriers and the reasons they may or may not be used, it is time to evaluate a trade issue for yourself. You will read and analyze two images related to trade. Then you will take a stand on the issue. Use this template to organize your responses.

Steps:

1. Choose two different visual media items that express opinions about trade agreements, barriers to trade or free trade. There source list provides some examples of visual media and guidance on where to locate them on the Internet. Be sure to include the media item, or directions on how to access it, with your assessment. Make a note of the key events and ideas evident in the item, the creator and date of origin, and be sure to read any captions or quotes that are included.
2. Analyze the message delivered by each of your visual media items. Foreachitem, respond to the following questions in complete sentences. Cite evidence from the resource and the lesson to justify your responses.
   
   1. What is the issue discussed in the visual media item you chose?
   2. What is the creator’s viewpoint on the issue? What details in the resource support the author’s claim? Provide evidence from the item to support your response.
   3. Does this viewpoint reflect a commitment to free trade or to protectionism?
   4. Explain your answer and include evidence from the item to support your response.
   5. Do you agree or disagree with the viewpoint of the item you chose? Why or why not?
3. Respond to the following reflection questions based on your understanding of free trade and protectionism.
   1. What are two benefits and two costs of free trade?
   2. What is protectionism and why would a country base trade policy on it? Explain at least two reasons.