American Business

American Business merit badge 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.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Scouts BSA Requirements, 2019 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #648914)

A FREE workbook for American Business is available here! (PDF or Word) with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the American Business requirements.

usscouts.org has PDF and Word versions of workbooks for Scouts BSA ranks and merit badges, Cub Scouting ranks and adventures, and STEM Nova awards.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." The American Business merit badge pamphlet can purchased at ScoutSthop.org or at your local Scout Shop.
• "Get a signed Application for Merit Badge ... from your unit leader." An electronic, fillable, and printable PDF file version is available.

• Scouts BSA merit badges: American Business - Architecture - Aviation - Chemistry - Crime Prevention - Dentistry - Engineering - Entrepreneurship - Inventing - Journalism - Landscape Architecture - Law - Medicine - Personal Management - Pulp and Paper - Salesmanship - Surveying - Textile - Veterinary Medicine

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge revision dates – latest revision dates of each merit badge pamphlet.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many youths have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)
• See Submitting New Merit Badge Ideas for guidance on how to submit suggestions for new merit badges to BSA.