Dealing with community issues Chapter 13

Lesson 1: How a Community handles issues Policies: course of action that a group takes to address an issue Public policy: is the government’s response to solve these problems in the community. Public Policy Origins Usually suggested by media, interest groups and Political parties.

 Planning commission: is the group of people that advises on community needs.  Short term and Long term  Short term is immediate needs – carried in out a a few years  Long Term is a broader and meant to serve as a guide for the next years Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, water and sewers: IS THIS LONG OR SHORT TERM?

 PRIORITIES?  Order of importance  RESOURCES?  Money/Capital  Land/Natural Resources  Labor

Lesson 2: Education and Social Issues Public Education: Constitution does not mention education Reserved powers: Powers not explicitly given to the federal government is.therefore left up to the state GOVERNMENTS ROLE: Funding Legislation “No Child Left Behind” What is the problem then? – FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL

SOLUTIONS: Testing: Testing allows teachers, schools, and the government to monitor Shows strengths and weaknesses Helps target students’ specific needs. CHARTER SCHOOLS Receive some funding from the government but do not meet the same requirements as public schools Have different regulations (rules) School of choice Tuition vouchers – coupons

CRIMEAND SOCIAL PROBLEMS Both common in large cities- Why? Police Departments = law enforcement Not only criminal law but civil disputes as well Community Policing SOCIAL PROGRAMS Welfare: financial help for those with health, old age, poverty, or physical impairments. TWO PERSPECTIVES: 1. Work for Welfare 2. If we help people through Welfare they would more likely come back and join the labor force.

LESSON 3 – Environmental Issues ENVIRONMENTALISM: Movement concerned with protecting our environment. WASTE DISPOSAL: Solid Waste: garbage Landfills: water seeping into our main water streams NIMBY Recycling Conservation Hazardous Waste: Pesticides, radioactive material, etc. PROTECTING THE AIR,WATER, and LAND Pollution from Industries Factory smoke, plastic, etc. Often dumped into rivers, oceans, or streams Pollution from Individuals Littering, cars, trucks Pollution in the form of Hazardous Waste