Background informationThe Progressive Tax system of the ... Web viewHigh progressive taxation system can encourage high earning workers to move overseas to escape the ... forms of

DYSART UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #89

DBQDocument Based Question

Flat Tax vs. Progressive Tax

Economics – Updated September 2013

Student Name

School

Grade Level 12th Economics Period

Date Prerequisites must be present to be graded

Teacher Name ScoreScored using the holistic rubric ________ (1-6)

1=FFB 2=FFB 3=APP4=Meets 5=Exceeds 6=Exceeds

Overview

DBQ Time Line:

■Day 1: Introduction of prompt and grading procedures/Document analysis/Notes/Trigger questions

■Day 2: Research/Share and discuss/Complete research charts

■Day 3: Research/Share and discuss/Complete research charts

■Day 4: Thesis formation/Graphic organizer

■Day 5: Rough draft including all citations/Peer review

■Day 6: Write final draft

DBQ Scoring Guide:Task Suggested Points

Analyzing Documents /30Research Charts /50Graphic Organizer/Rough Draft /10Bibliography /25Speaking and Listening /10DBQ Final Essay /100TOTAL /225

Dysart Unified School District, Social Studies, September, 2013 2

Background information

The Progressive Tax system of the United States of America has been in place since the time of Abraham Lincoln. Many people argue that the progress tax system is unfair because tax rates create more of a burden on lower income wage earners. Reform is being considered, one plan is the Flat Tax, which states everyone will pay at the same tax rate the other is progressive, which is when taxes are paid progressively usually based on income.

PROMPT Endorse either the progressive or flat tax.

Explain the similarities and differences between the two tax systems. Be sure to evaluate how each system of taxation functions and describe the positive

and negative effects on the citizens of the United States. Show hay you chose one over the other.

Speaking and Listening Rubric – Collaborative Conversations, 9-12Collaborative Conversations

4 Exceeds 3 Meets 2 Approaches 1 Does Approach Standard

Preparation Seeks outside sources to gain insight

Readily shares resources with others

When appropriate makes strategic use of digital media to enhance understanding of findings

Preparation is evident, includes but not limited to: Identifies/highlights key

words and phrases Has notes of main ideas Includes outside sources When appropriate makes

strategic use of digital media to enhance understanding of findings

No Highlighting Skims text Very few notes, Some

misunderstandings of text and meaning.

Unprepared with text

unprepared with text does not recall or has not read text

No attempt was made to understand text

Questioning Has prepared several high level questions based on the text

Asks several higher level questions during discussion

Has prepared a variety of questions

Asks thoughtful questions during discussion

Is open to questioning

Has very few questions Asks very few

questions

Has not prepared questions

Does not ask questions

When questioned is unable to respond appropriately

Speaking Moves conversation forward

Speaks to all participants Thinks before answering Refers directly to the text Makes connections to

other speakers Considers all options Offers insightful

contributions Uses appropriate and

academic language all of the time

Builds on other’s comments

Prompts others to make comments

Comments often and encourages others

Addresses the issue, stays on topic

Reflects on the text often Responds to questions Respectfully considers all

opinions Offers interesting ideas and

makes preliminary connections

Uses appropriate and academic language most of the time


Emphasizes only own ideas

Addresses only teacher’s questioning.

Tends toward debate not dialogue

Ideas do not always connect

Comments neglect details of text. Only focuses on opinion

Only uses academic language a small portion of time

Disruptive or argumentative

Mumbles or is silent

Makes no connection to previous comment

Does not use appropriate academic language

Is engaged in another activity other than listening or speaking for clarification.

Listening Demonstrates effective listening skills (eye contact, nods, takes notes)

Writes down thoughts and questions


Questions for clarification when needed

Asks for clarification when needed

Develops clear understanding of speaker before making judgment, is reflective

Demonstrates effective listening skills (eye contact, nods, takes notes, body aligns with speaker).

Takes notes Asks questions for

clarification when needed Suspends judgment until

speaker is finished, No outside activity, only

listening

Rarely demonstrates effective listening skills (eye contact, nods, takes notes)

Loses track of conversation

May interrupt or judges other’s ideas without asking for clarification

May sporadically engage in another activity but stops and self regulates.

No effective listening skills demonstrated

Attempts to dominate

Interrupts speakers in middle of sentence

Repeats same ideas

No eye contact or is engaged in another activity rather than listening

Document A: Progressive Tax Dysart Unified School District, Social Studies, September, 2013 3

Notes: Progressive taxation is a tax system used mostly in the US and the European countries. Progressive taxation levies taxes according to the individuals’ income. This means that an individual with high income will pay more in taxes than an individual with a low income.

Tax base of progressive taxation: The tax base of progressive taxation system is dependent on the following 2 factors –

Income: The key concept of progressive taxation depends on the income of an individual. The tax rate increases for high income earners and decreases for low income earners.

Expenditure: Progressive taxation can also be based on the expenditure through various sales taxes. The idea is, the more you spend, the more taxes you’ve to pay.

Progressive taxation is considered by many, as the best tax system as it helps the government to earn more taxes as well as protect the lower income individuals from the burden of high taxes. Let’s now check out the advantages of progressive taxation –

Advantages of progressive taxation: Proper distribution of money: Since progressive taxation allows income-based taxes, a person with low income will pay much less than a person with a high income. This is an effective way for proper distribution of wealth.

1. Protects the lower income group: Progressive taxation system allows the lower income group to pay less in taxes. Since most of the working population falls in this category, progressive taxation is favored by most.

2. Protection during recession times: Progressive taxation system also protects people during recession times because if their income drops, they fall into lower income bracket.

3. Stable income stream: Progressive taxation also allows the government to have a stable income stream even in times of depression.

Disadvantages of progressive taxation: Opposes equality: Many believe that progressive taxation opposes the Constitution which promotes equal rights for citizens. By taxing the higher income group at a higher rate, progressive taxation defies the Constitution.

1. Prevents taking high paying jobs: Progressive taxation system may also prevent individuals from taking a high paying job because most of their income would be taken away as taxes. It also discourages individuals to work harder to gain higher incomes.

2. Encourages emigration: High progressive taxation system can encourage high earning workers to move overseas to escape the tax system.

3. Encourages hiding of assets: High progressive taxation system can also encourage high income earners to opt for off-shore banking by which they can hide their assets and save taxes.

Although there are some controversies regarding the usefulness of progressive taxation system, it is still regarded as one of the most effective tax system in the world. The US government has adopted this tax system and has stuck to it since it is working for them and the government is earning revenue from it.

"Progressive Taxation System: A Brief Study on Its Pros and Cons Â« Credit Terms." Progressive Taxation System: A Brief Study on Its Pros and Cons. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 June 2012. <http://www.credit-terms.com/tax/progressive-taxation.html>


1) Explain what progressive taxation is and how it works.

2) What factors do the progressive taxation system rely upon and how do their factors affect the tax rate for the American citizen.

3) Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the progressive taxation system and how it effects American society.


Document B- Flat Tax

Notes: What Is a Flat Tax?

In tax terms, "flat" simply means everybody pays the same rate; there is no graduation in the rate structure. If you graph income levels versus tax rates, you get a "flat" line. The "flat tax" is a tax on income with a single uniform rate and a standard deduction.

Unlike the current system, a flat tax is simple, fair, and good for growth. Instead of the 893 forms required by the current system, a flat tax would use only two postcard-sized forms: one for labor income and the other for business and capital income. Unlike the current system, which discriminates based on the source, use, and level of income, a flat tax treats all taxpayers equally, fulfilling the "equal justice under law" principle etched above the main entrance to the U.S. Supreme Court building. And unlike the current system, a flat tax would lower marginal tax rates and eliminate the tax bias against saving and investment, thus ensuring better economic performance in a competitive global economy.

There have been several flat tax proposals over the years, all of them based on the path breaking proposal developed by two Hoover Institution economists. While no two plans are identical, they all share common features that fix the major flaws of the current Internal Revenue Code. Simplicity and fairness are also natural consequences of these component features of tax reform.

These major features of a flat tax are:

A Single Flat Rate. All flat tax proposals have a single rate, usually less than 20 percent. The low, flat rate solves the problem of high marginal tax rates by reducing penalties against productive behavior, such as work, risk taking, and entrepreneurship.

Elimination of Special Preferences. Flat tax proposals would eliminate provisions of the tax code that bestow preferential tax treatment on certain behaviors and activities. Getting rid of deductions, credits, exemptions, and other loopholes also helps solve the problem of complexity, allowing taxpayers to file their tax returns on a postcard-sized form.

No Double Taxation of Saving and Investment. Flat tax proposals would eliminate the tax code's bias against capital formation by ending the double taxation of income that is saved and invested. This means no death tax, no capital gains tax, no double taxation of saving, and no double tax on dividends. By taxing income only one time, a flat tax is easier to enforce and more conducive to job creation and capital formation.

Territorial Taxation. Flat tax proposals are based on the commonsense notion of "territorial taxation," meaning that governments should tax only income that is earned inside national borders. By getting rid of "worldwide taxation," a flat tax enables U.S. taxpayers and companies to compete on a level playing field around the world.

Family-Friendly. All flat tax proposals have one "loophole." Households receive a generous exemption based on family size. For instance, a family of four would not begin to pay tax until its annual income reached more than $30,000.

Consumption-Based. A tax code that does not discriminate against saving and investment is considered a consumption-based tax system, regardless of whether taxes are deducted from the paycheck or collected at the cash register. In this respect, a flat tax is a type of consumption tax. The difference between a flat tax and a national sales tax is where the tax is collected. A flat tax is levied on income-but only once and at one low rate-as it is earned. A sales tax is levied on income-but only once and at one low rate-as it is spent.

Both the flat tax and the sales tax differ dramatically from the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The current tax code has numerous forms of double taxation, such as its treatment of saving and corporate income. The current tax code also has several forms of wealth taxation or asset taxation, such as the capital gains tax and the death tax. (These also are forms of double taxation since the assets were acquired with after-tax dollars.) The current tax code even has provisions that force taxpayers to overstate their income,


such as forcing businesses to "depreciate" the cost of new investment instead of allowing immediate and full deduction (a policy known as "expensing") when costs are incurred.

None of these forms of double taxation, wealth taxation, or overtaxation exist in either a flat tax or a national sales tax, which is why public finance economists categorize both systems as consumption-based taxes.

How a Flat Tax Would Work for Individual Taxpayers

Compared to the current system, a flat tax is extremely simple. Households pay tax on their labor income using a 10-line individual postcard. They do not need to worry about reporting dividends, interest, and other forms of business/capital income. Those forms of income are taxed at the business level, thus obviating any need to tax them at the individual level since that would violate the principle of no double taxation.

How a Flat Tax Would Work for Businesses Like the individual postcard form, the business postcard form is very simple. All businesses, from Microsoft to a hot dog stand, would play by the same rules. There no longer would be separate tax rules for partnerships, sole proprietorships, S corporations and regular corporations. All business operations in America, whether owned by a U.S. company or owned by a foreign company, would pay tax on the income that they earn in the United States.

Foster Ph.D., J.D. "The New Flat Tax—Easy as One, Two, Three." What Is Flat Tax? Understanding the New Flat Tax. The Heritage Foundation, 13 Dec. 2011. Web. 13 June 2012. <http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2011/12/the-new-flat-tax-easy-as-one-two-three>

1) Summarize Paragraph 2 in your own words.

2) Analyze and explain the difference between a national sales tax and a flat tax.

3) Rate the six major features described in the article in order of importance in your judgment. State your reasoning for the order you have decided on.


Document C: Comparison of taxes

Notes:

Drum, Kevin. "Tax Follies." The Washington Monthly. Washington Monthly, 8 Oct. 2007. Web. 13 June 2012. http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2007_10/012212.php

1) After analyzing the chart above what conclusion can be drawn regarding the level of taxes that each income level pays?


http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2007_10/012212.php

2) Interpret the information in the chart above and explain the tax responsibilities for each income group. Do you consider this to be fair or unfair?

3) In your opinion does this chart support the flat tax or progressive tax system? Explain your answer.


Document Based Question: Research Chart Research /General topici.e., contributions of classical Rome and Greece, design and architecture…

Site found or bibliographic infoi.e., URL, author, title of book and date of publication, …

How did you use this site:Resource gave no new information that I could use.As a guide for former research.As a direct source of information

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Suggested Siteshttp://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Progressive_tax_vs._flat_tax – Debatepedia: Progressive v. Flat Tax

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/tax/tax.htm - Washington Post Tax Policy Special report

http://www.economist.com/ - The Economist (search Taxes)

http://www.irs.gov/ - Internal Revenue Service (Tax statistics)

http://taxfoundation.org/ - Tax Foundation


http://taxfoundation.org/

http://www.irs.gov/

http://www.economist.com/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/tax/tax.htm

http://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Progressive_tax_vs._flat_tax

Major Resources Used ChartResource used Information Gained : Show the quote, facts, ideas, or paraphrase that you will you in your

responseInclude the number of the resource or the URL from above

quote, facts, or paraphrased ideas.


On the lines provided below, list vocabulary words that you will use to answer the above prompt. Look back on the documents to trigger your thoughts. These are words that you will potentially use in your essay.

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PromptEndorse either the progressive or flat tax.

Explain the similarities and differences between the two tax systems. Be sure to evaluate how each system of taxation functions and describe the positive and

negative effects on the citizens of the United States. Show hay you chose one over the other.

Brainstorm Similarities and Differences:

Progressive Flat

Brainstorm: Positives and Negatives :

Positives NegativesProgressive tax

Flat tax


Graphic Organizer/Pre-Writing

Teachers will provide students with the Argumentative Paper Format 6-12 for pre-writing guidelines


Holistic Rubric – Grades 3-12

SCORE POINT 6

Response is sophisticated and skillful in written communication, demonstrated by exceptional clarity, focus, and control in

development and organization that often shows insight.

in-depth and/or creative exploration of the topic using rich, relevant, and credible details.

a strong, perhaps creative, beginning, and a satisfying conclusion.

specifically and carefully chosen words that are skillfully crafted into phrases and sentences that enhance meaning.

intentional and committed interaction between the writer and the reader.

effective and/or creative use of a wide range of conventions with few errors.

o insightful with no historical errors.o makes original and specific connections

using resources.o uses background knowledge for all support

content.o thesis is prompt-driven and fits seamlessly

in opening paragraph.o relies on a variety of the documents and

includes outside resources, all of which are cited correctly

SCORE POINT 5

Response is excellent and skillful in written communication, demonstrated by clarity, focus, and control in topic

development and organization a balanced and thorough explanation

of the topic using relevant details. an inviting beginning and a satisfying

sense of closure. a broad range of carefully chosen

words crafted into phrases and varied sentences that sound natural.

awareness of the reader and commitment to the audience and topic.

effective use of a wide range of conventions with few errors.

o accurate, may contain only minor historical errors.

o makes obvious connections using relevant resources.

o uses background knowledge consistently.

o includes clear thesis statement in the opening paragraph.

o appropriately relies on a variety of the documents and may use outside sources, all of which are cited correctly

SCORE POINT 4

Response is appropriate and acceptable in written communication, demonstrated by ideas adequately developed with a

clear and coherent presentation of ideas with order and structure that can be formulaic.

relevant details that are sometimes general or limited; organization that is clear, but sometimes predictable.

a recognizable beginning and ending, although one or both may be somewhat weak.

effective word choice that is functional and, at times, shows interaction between writer and audience.

somewhat varied sentence structure with good control of simple constructions a natural sound.

control of standard conventions although a wide range is not used; errors that do not impede readability.


o makes connections using some resources.

o uses background knowledgeo thesis statement is clear.o cites multiple documents correctly

SCORE POINT 3Response is inadequate in written communication, demonstrated by broad or simplistic ideas that are

understood but often ineffective. attempts at organizing that are

inconsistent or ineffective; beginnings and endings that are underdeveloped; repetitive transitional devices.

developmental details that are uneven, somewhat predictable, or leave information gaps; details not always placed effectively in the writing.

reliance on clichés and overused words that do not connect with the reader; limited audience awareness.

monotonous and sometime misused words; sentences may sound mechanical, although simple constructive are usually correct.

limited control of standard conventions with significant errors.

o Historically accurate but overly generalo loosely makes connections to some

resources.o uses background knowledge/facts with

some connections.o includes a thesis, though it is not very

clear.o cites multiple documents correctly

SCORE POINT 2Response is poor in written communication, demonstrated by overly simplistic and sometimes

unclear ideas that have insufficiently developed details.

sequencing of ideas that is often just a list; missing or ineffective details that require reader and inference to comprehend and follow.

missing beginning and/or ending. repetitive, monotonous, and often

misused words awkwardly strung into sentences that are difficult to read because they are either choppy or rambling; many sentences that begin with repetitive noun + verb pattern.

lack of audience awareness. little control of basic conventions

resulting in errors impeding readability.

o Contains multiple historical errorso loosely uses background

knowledge/facts with no connections.o includes a general topic statement, but

not a thesiso uses more than one document

correctly but relies on one document OR cites only one document

SCORE POINT 1Response is inferior in written communication, demonstrated by lack of purpose or ideas and

sequencing. organization that obscures the main

point. an attempt that is too short to offer

coherent development of an idea, if it is stated.

extremely limited vocabulary that shows no commitment to communicating a message.

sentences with confusing word order that may not permit oral reading.

severe and frequent errors in conventions.

o has significant historical misinterpretation.

o no apparent thesis or topic statement.CITATIONS are a pre-requisite for scoring.

Score: FFB 1-2 APR 3 Meets 4 EX 5-6


Final Response

The following prerequisites must be present in order for DBQ to be completed, turned in, and/or graded.

1. Use blue or black ink pen2. Legible3. In essay Format 4. Documents must be internally cited using MLA or APA format

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Work Cited/Bibliography Page

You must use MLA or APA citation for all sources used in your essay. Use the following websites for information on how to cite sources using MLA or APA format: http://www.easybib.com/,

http://www.citelighter.com/, or http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/. Work cited pages include only those sources that have been cited. Bibliography pages include all sources used to gather information, even those that may not have been cited.

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http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/

http://www.citelighter.com/

http://www.easybib.com/

Holistic Rubric – Grades 3-12SCORE POINT 6

Response is sophisticated and skillful in written communication, demonstrated by exceptional clarity, focus, and control in

development and organization that often shows insight.

in-depth and/or creative exploration of the topic using rich, relevant, and credible details.

a strong, perhaps creative, beginning, and a satisfying conclusion.

specifically and carefully chosen words that are skillfully crafted into phrases and sentences that enhance meaning.

intentional and committed interaction between the writer and the reader.

effective and/or creative use of a wide range of conventions with few errors.

o insightful with no historical errors.o makes original and specific connections

using resources.o uses background knowledge for all support

content.o thesis is prompt-driven and fits seamlessly

in opening paragraph.o relies on a variety of the documents and

includes outside resources, all of which are cited correctly

SCORE POINT 5

Response is excellent and skillful in written communication, demonstrated by clarity, focus, and control in topic

development and organization a balanced and thorough explanation

of the topic using relevant details. an inviting beginning and a satisfying

sense of closure. a broad range of carefully chosen

words crafted into phrases and varied sentences that sound natural.

awareness of the reader and commitment to the audience and topic.

effective use of a wide range of conventions with few errors.


o makes obvious connections using relevant resources.

o uses background knowledge consistently.

o includes clear thesis statement in the opening paragraph.

o appropriately relies on a variety of the documents and may use outside sources, all of which are cited correctly

SCORE POINT 4

Response is appropriate and acceptable in written communication, demonstrated by ideas adequately developed with a

clear and coherent presentation of ideas with order and structure that can be formulaic.

relevant details that are sometimes general or limited; organization that is clear, but sometimes predictable.

a recognizable beginning and ending, although one or both may be somewhat weak.

effective word choice that is functional and, at times, shows interaction between writer and audience.

somewhat varied sentence structure with good control of simple constructions a natural sound.

control of standard conventions although a wide range is not used; errors that do not impede readability.


o makes connections using some resources.

o uses background knowledgeo thesis statement is clear.o cites multiple documents correctly

SCORE POINT 3Response is inadequate in written communication, demonstrated by broad or simplistic ideas that are

understood but often ineffective. attempts at organizing that are

inconsistent or ineffective; beginnings and endings that are underdeveloped; repetitive transitional devices.

developmental details that are uneven, somewhat predictable, or leave information gaps; details not always placed effectively in the writing.

reliance on clichés and overused words that do not connect with the reader; limited audience awareness.

monotonous and sometime misused words; sentences may sound mechanical, although simple constructive are usually correct.

limited control of standard conventions with significant errors.

o Historically accurate but overly generalo loosely makes connections to some

resources.o uses background knowledge/facts with

some connections.o includes a thesis, though it is not very

clear.o cites multiple documents correctly

SCORE POINT 2Response is poor in written communication, demonstrated by overly simplistic and sometimes

unclear ideas that have insufficiently developed details.

sequencing of ideas that is often just a list; missing or ineffective details that require reader and inference to comprehend and follow.

missing beginning and/or ending. repetitive, monotonous, and often

misused words awkwardly strung into sentences that are difficult to read because they are either choppy or rambling; many sentences that begin with repetitive noun + verb pattern.

lack of audience awareness. little control of basic conventions

resulting in errors impeding readability.

o Contains multiple historical errorso loosely uses background

knowledge/facts with no connections.o includes a general topic statement, but

not a thesiso uses more than one document

correctly but relies on one document OR cites only one document

SCORE POINT 1Response is inferior in written communication, demonstrated by lack of purpose or ideas and

sequencing. organization that obscures the main

point. an attempt that is too short to offer

coherent development of an idea, if it is stated.

extremely limited vocabulary that shows no commitment to communicating a message.

sentences with confusing word order that may not permit oral reading.

severe and frequent errors in conventions.

o has significant historical misinterpretation.

o no apparent thesis or topic statement.CITATIONS are a pre-requisite for scoring.

Score: FFB 1-2 APR 3 Meets 4 EX 5-6
