American Business
Resources
- American Business Class Preparation Page
- American Business Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Related
American Business Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of April 28, 2025
as of April 28, 2025
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, partnership, or limited liability
company 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 to 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.
