Summary and Main Ideas
Summary
The three major domestic policy areas are social welfare; science, technology, and education; and business stimulus and regulation. Social welfare programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare form a safety net for vulnerable populations. Science, technology, and education policies have the goal of securing the United States’ competitive advantages. Business stimulus and regulation policies have to balance business’ needs for an economic edge with consumers’ need for protection from unfair or unsafe practices. The United States spends billions of dollars on these programs.
Practice Questions
- What societal ills are social welfare programs designed to address?
Answer
1. Need-based programs exist to provide at least a minimal standard of living for those in dire straits and to provide opportunities to improve their fate in life. In the short term, they allow mere survival, while in the long term, they can help the individual and society.
Glossary
Medicaid: a health insurance program for low-income citizens
Medicare: an entitlement health insurance program for older people and retirees who no longer get health insurance through their work
safety net: a way to provide for members of society experiencing economic hardship
Social Security: a social welfare policy for people who no longer receive an income from employment
This lesson is part of:
American Domestic Policy