We hear a lot about the need for American school kids to compete with our international competitors. John Locke Foundation Director of Education Studies Terry Stoops analyzes data on the issue that should concern Americans. Then we focus on economic freedom. The United States has been slipping in recent worldwide rankings of economic freedom. Economist Robert Lawson of Southern Methodist University is co-author of the Fraser Institute’s annual Economic Freedom of the World report. Lawson discusses the importance of freedom and the reasons underlying the recent American decline. As important as capitalism is to the success of American society, the U.S. Constitution says nothing about the nation’s economic system. George Leef, director of research at the John W. Pope Center for Higher Education Policy, says capitalism is nonetheless guaranteed as long as the Constitution continues to limit government activity.  That’s followed by a look at a new way of doing public business. State lawmakers are looking into the possibility of turning more government business over to public-private partnerships. They recently sought some advice on the topic from Leonard Gilroy, director of government reform at the Reason Foundation. Gilroy explains the benefits of these partnerships and discusses the ways government officials can pursue them. And finally, a new group is seeking to engage young conservatives and libertarians in the debate over public issues. Jenna Ashley Robinson of the Pope Center for Higher Education Policy is spearheading an effort. She explains the goals and details the group’s first panel discussion, which will be held in March and will focus on the marriage amendment that appears on North Carolina’s May primary ballot.