The Partnership for 21st Century Skills places an important emphasis on fundamental social science subjects including history, geography, government and civics, and economics as well as a stress on other important subjects such as English, foreign languages, arts, and science in the school curriculum. It has also identified what it calls 21st century themes, which include global awareness; financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy; and civic literacy. The message is clear: young people cannot effectively participate in the global economy without a deep understanding of basic economics. In fact, the success of the economic system of the United States and its trade partners depends to a large extent on young people understanding its basic characteristics.