Chapter 16 and 17

Question 1

Domestic Policymaking

Answer 1

• Congress primarily takes the lead in formulating domestic policy through bills
• A President can attempt to influence policy, but, is limited to the signing of
  laws and of executive orders

Question 2

Social Policy

Answer 2

• Meant to accomplish goals for the public good, includes healthcare, safety, and education
• social welfare - These policies involve the redistribution of resources
• Citizens play direct and indirect roles in how policies are shaped

Question 3

Early Social Policy

Answer 3

• The federal government initially did not provide much in terms of social welfare
• Pensions for Civil War veterans, and for spouses of veterans
• The Great Depression led to an increase in welfare, through the variety of programs from the New Deal.

Question 4

Social Security

Answer 4

• 1935, Funded through payroll taxes
• Medicare was added, highest social policy cost of the government
• popularity of this program makes it difficult for Congress to modify it

Question 5

Fixing Social Security

Answer 5

• options include raising payroll taxes by 1 percent, lowering benefits for nonworking spouses, and gradually raise the retirement age to 70
• Privatization of social security is another proposal, but also a controversial one

Question 6

Need-Based Programs

Answer 6

• require individuals to demonstrate a specific need
• typically use the federal poverty threshold for families when assessing who qualifies
• Welfare programs are usually funded jointly by states and the federal government.

Question 7

Health Care

Answer 7

• Americans spend more on healthcare than citizens of any other country
• Paying for healthcare is a combination of sources:
  ◦ Private Insurance
  ◦ Out of pocket payments
  ◦ Government support
• A major source of political disagreement is the role of government in health care.

Question 8

The Affordable Care Act

Answer 8

• Obama
• Consists:
  ◦ Comprehensive medical coverage
  ◦ Electronic medical records