Italy Secondaria di secondo grado – classe 2ª Law and political economy
Chapters: 2
1. Political economy
The economic problem and its history
- The Problem of Choice: Scarcity and Opportunity Cost – Our wants are unlimited but resources like money, time, land and workers are limited. This is scarcity, and it forces us to choose. The value of the next best option we give up is the opportunity cost. Economists study how people and societies make these choices. Every society must decide what, how and for whom to produce. Market, planned and mixed economies answer these differently, and a welfare state makes sure basic needs of all are met.
2. Law
Legal rules, Constitution and State
- What Is a Constitution? Rules, Rights and Duties – A constitution is the highest law of a country. It says how the state is organised, who holds power and how, and what rights and duties citizens have. Legal rules differ from other rules (game, family, school, manners) because the state makes them and enforces them with courts and penalties. All laws form a pyramid: the constitution at the top, then acts of parliament, then regulations and local rules; a lower rule that conflicts with a higher one can be struck down. Most constitutions are hard to change (rigid), protecting core values such as equality, freedom, solidarity and the right and duty to work.