NorthWest Scouter

Merit Badges

American Business

 

 

Requirements

1. Do the following:

(a) Explain four features of the free enterprise system in the United States.

Describe the difference between freedom and license. Tell how the Scout Oath

and Scout Law apply to business and free enterprise.

(b) Describe the Industrial Revolution and tell about the major developments

that marked the start of the modern industrial era in the United States. Discuss

three people who had a great influence on business or industry in the United

States and describe what each did.

(c) Identify and describe to your counselor the five primary areas of business.

(d) Explain the history of labor unions in the United States and the importance of

labor unions and employers working together. Identify two major labor unions

currently in existence.

(e) Discuss with your counselor how business impacts the local, national, and

global economy.

 

2. Do the following:

(a) Explain the three basic types of financial statements (income statement,

balance sheet, and statement of cash flows). Discuss with your counselor how

each statement can help business leaders make better decisions.

(b) Explain how changes in interest rates, taxes, and government spending

affect the flow of money into or out of business and industry.

(c) Explain how a sole proprietorship or partnership gets its capital. Discuss

and explain four ways a corporation obtains capital.

(d) Name five kinds of insurance useful to business. Describe their purposes.

 

3. Do the following:

(a) Explain the place of profit in business.

(b) Describe to your counselor green marketing and sustainable

business practices.

(c) Explain how ethics plays a role in business decision making.

(d) Discuss the differences between operating a brick-and-mortar business

versus an online business.

 

 

4. Describe the role of the U.S. Department of Labor. Discuss two of the

following topics with your counselor:

(a) Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

(b) Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

(c) Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

(d) Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)

 

5. Choose a business and research how it applies each of the primary areas of

business (accounting, finance, economics, marketing, and management). Share

what you have learned with your counselor.

 

6. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Choose one of the primary areas of business and identify three career

opportunities. Select one and research the education, training, and experience

required for this career. Discuss this with your counselor and explain why this

interests you.

(b) Select a business leader and interview this individual to learn more about

his or her company and career path. Discuss the role ethics plays in making

business decisions. Share what you have learned with your counselor.

 

 

 


Resources:

Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements

boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges

usscouts.org Worksheets

Troop 109 Merit Badge Library