QUESTION 1: Why/How has Marx influenced so many people and nations over the years? Which of his
ideas have merit? Why was he generally wrong? (Three page limit)
QUESTION 2: Recently it was announced that BB&T and SunTrust will merge in the next year. The new
bank (not yet named) will become the sixth largest bank in America. Do you favor this merger? What are
the pros and cons of such a merger? Do you believe this is the beginning of more consolidation in the
banking industry? (Three page limit)
QUESTION 3: Describe the current state of the U.S. economy using any six economic indicators. State the
latest reading (number) for each indicator and explain what it means. (Three page limit)
QUESTION 4: The United States has a very large Balance of Trade Deficit with the world (meaning we
import more than we export). Our trade imbalance is around $50 billion per month. it improved from $55
billion to $49 billion in over the past two months. Is the Balance of Trade Deficit a negative for the United
States? When the deficit grows, is it a bad thing? Explain. (Two page limit)