After reading this chapter, you should be able to:
Understand why Congress, in 2003, voted to increase the benefits of social programs for the elderly even in the face of looming costs and additional tax cuts.
Understand and delineate the key stages in the "policymaking round."
Review the origins and policy landmarks in the development of social insurance programs.
Explain why the Social Security fund may be approaching financial disaster unless essential adjustments are made in the near future.
Itemize the risks of change to Social Security and summarize the key issues faced in the politicians who might attempt to fix the current program.
Explain why senior citizens and the AARP are so influential in domestic social programs.
Review the origins and development social insurance for poor families with children while discussing such key programs as AFDC, food stamps, EITC, SSI, rent subsidies, and Medicaid.
Understand the reasons why more public assistance goes to the elderly than to the poor.
Summarize the drawbacks of public assistance programs.
Review the politics of public assistance to poor families.
Explain the historical evolution of education policy and how public education is funded.
Understand the advantages of standardized testing, charter schools, and school voucher programs.
Discuss the various "waves" of regulatory policy in the United States.
Explain the justifications for regulation, including natural monopolies and externalities.
Explain how regulations are shaped by election pressures on Congress, government agencies, and the courts.
Summarize the reasons why Congress has
approved deregulation of some industries.
