1. MR. LIPMAN’S AP GOVERNMENT POWERPOINT CHAPTER 17
SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY

2. Social Welfare Policy is the intent of the government to improve the quality of life for its citizens. There are 4 different types of public policy theories:
1. Elite Theory (unequal distribution is normal)
2. Bureaucratic Theory (gov’t so big bureaucrats
are the dominant power)
3. Interest Group Theory (gov’t is equilibrium
between all competing groups at all levels)
4. Pluralist Theory (no single elite group)

3. 1. Problem recognition and definition 2. Agenda Setting
Public Policy is determined in stages:
1. Problem recognition and definition
2. Agenda Setting
3. Policy Formation
4. Policy Adoption
5. Budgeting
6. Policy Implementation
7. Policy Evaluation

4. The stages of public policy

5. pluralist elite bureaucratic interest group democratic
______ theory assumes that no single group could ever gain monopoly control over any substantial area of policy.
pluralist
elite
bureaucratic
interest group
democratic

6. pluralist elite bureaucratic interest group democratic
______ theory assumes that no single group could ever gain monopoly control over any substantial area of policy.
pluralist
elite
bureaucratic
interest group
democratic 6

7. SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY
Panic of 1893 makes America 1st start to think gov”t has responsibility to help those in need.
Depression of 1930s greatly expanded upon this belief and led to the formation of the permanent welfare state in America. It’s highlighted by the Social Security Act of 1935.

8. SOCIAL SECURITY HAS THREE PARTS:
1. Old Age Protection
2. Aid for the blind, needy, injured, families w/kids
3. Unemployment insurance/compensation
Old Age Protection is a “pay as you go system” meaning you are paying now for others who are receiving it and that in the future others will pay for you when you are receiving it. (“good luck”)

9. Old Age Protection (con’t):
In 1940 maximum pension was $85 per month
In 2012 maximum pension was $2,513 per month
In 2013 a social security tax is imposed upon the first $113k of an employees wages. The employer and the employee are normally each required to contribute 6.2% of the tax amount due.
If self-employed you need to pay the entire 12.4%
yourself.

10. Aid for Blind, Needy, Families with dependent children and disabled (SSI)
This is supplemental money provided by the federal government as a “safety net” to prevent disaster
In 2012 poverty line in America for a family of 4 was established at $22,350 up to $41, 348
Unemployment Insurance was initially set up by the federal government but it was “assumed” by the states. Employers pay 3% of a worker’s salary into an insurance fund. The amount received by each worker varies by state and there is a cap.

11. EXPANSION OF GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN SOCIETY
1. Education (vouchers and charter schools)
Supreme Ct. has ruled that issue of inequality of spending on education is a state matter since education is NOT a fundamental right
2. Health Insurance
Medicare (older citizens)
Medicaid (poorer citizens)
3. Food Programs (ex: food stamps aka “snap”)
4. Earned Income Credit (encourage work
even if earning low wages)

12. Energy policy Environmental policy
By 1970s, U.S. dependent on foreign oil
Oil embargo crisis (OPEC)
Government set conservation and efficiency standards; creates DOE
Environmental policy
National Environmental Policy Act of 1970
Clean Air Act of 1970
Clean Water Act of 1970
Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974

14. Where do U.S. oil imports come from?

15. The Kyoto Protocol, which committed countries to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was ratified by the U.S. in ________.
It was never ratified.
1997
1998
2000
2008

16. The Kyoto Protocol, which committed countries to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was ratified by the U.S. in ________.
It was never ratified.
1997
1998
2000
2008 16

17. Today, most of the electricity in the United States is generated by
wind farms.
hydroelectric dams.
nuclear power plants.
natural gas.
coal burning plants.

18. Today, most of the electricity in the United States is generated by
wind farms.
hydroelectric dams.
nuclear power plants.
natural gas.
coal burning plants. 18

19. NCLB intends to promote all of the following EXCEPT
privatization of education
school choice
success educational methods
flexible use of national funding
results-oriented accountability

20. NCLB intends to promote all of the following EXCEPT
privatization of education
school choice
success educational methods
flexible use of national funding
results-oriented accountability 20

21. A National insurance was first seriously considered in ________.
the 1930s
the Reagan administration
the 1960s
1912 under President Wilson
2008

22. A National insurance was first seriously considered in ________.
the 1930s
the Reagan administration
the 1960s
1912 under President Wilson
2008 22

23. MEANS TEST = No aid given unless the recipient qualifies based on income. NON-MEANS TEST = A program which gives the aid regardless of the income of the recipient. ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM= If you meet the eligibility criteria you are to receive the benefit and spending on the program is mandatory

24. RISING COST OF ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMS
Amounts Spent in Billions of Dollars: (FEDERAL)
(est.)
S.S
Defense
Means-Test
(entitlements)