1. How to Answer a Short Answer Question
A very Simple System based on …

2. “…Three “S”…..” The “S”….. Statement Support Summary
This answers the Question in the most Simple form
Support
This demonstrates that you understand the material
Summary
Pulls the answer together….”finalizes” your answer

3. Statement This is the answer to the Question.
Construct a sentence that formally answers the question while at the same time creates a tone of an “introduction”

4. Support “The Rule of Three”….
Always be able to give at least three points that supports the Statement. Three points of “data”. This indicates that you understand the Statement by pulling in facts that are related to the Statement

5. Summary
Just what the word indicates. Summarize or draw a conclusion showing that you fully understand the argument being presented

6. The Question
Explain why entitlement spending has had an effect on congressional budget-making process.

7. The Statement
Entitlement spending is money that by law must be spent first in every budget before any money can be spent on other programs. Programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, veteran’s benefits are entitlements. This is called mandatory spending. Also, interest on the national debt is also mandatory spending.

8. The Support
Because of the retiring “baby-boomers” and the number of veterans and the huge debt this mandatory spending is taking a huge chunk out of discretionary spending. Discretionary spending is money that is used for highway, education, and defense programs. As the amount of money for entitlements is spent, there is less discretionary spending for these programs. Members of Congress must battle for money for their district’s pet projects, this is called pork barrel spending. This spending for their constituents is important for their reelection campaigns.

9. The Summary
Members of congress have to keep in mind that their spending for local needs is also affected by national needs. So they have to balance their district’s needs ( and campaign promises), the national goals (the president’s campaign promises), and also their party’s goals.

10. Complete Answer
Entitlement spending is money that by law must be spent first in every budget before any money can be spent on other programs. Programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and veteran’s benefits are entitlements. This is called mandatory spending. Interest on the national debt is also mandatory spending. Because of the retiring “baby-boomers” and the number of veterans and the huge debt this mandatory spending is taking a huge chunk out of discretionary spending. Discretionary spending is money that is used for highway, education, and defense programs. As the amount of money for entitlements is spent, there is less discretionary spending for these programs. Members of Congress must battle for money for their district’s pet projects, this is called pork barrel spending. This spending for their constituents is important for their reelection campaigns. Members of congress have keep in mind that there spending for local needs is also effected by national needs. So they have to balance their district’s needs ( and campaign promises), the national goals (the president’s campaign promises), and also their party’s goals.

11. The Grading Rubric – 5 Pts
Correct definition of entitlements – 1 point
Proper use of three the following – 3 points
Mandatory, discretionary, incumbency, earmarks, constituency service, BICA, president’s budget, CBO, continuing resolutions, (not an exhaustive list)
The Summary – 1 point
Make the rubric first….form question around the rubric.

12. Basically…. “…mini- five paragraph essay….” Statement – Thesis
Support – Body
Summary - Conclusion