AP Gov: Topic 4.10 - Ideology and Social Policy Study Guide

social welfare

support for disadvantaged people to meet their basic needs

entitlements

government services Congress has promised by law to citizens

mandatory spending

paying those who are legally "entitled" to these funds

Social Security Act

creates a federal safety net for the elderly and those out of work; greatly expanded the role of government, creating what some call the welfare state

Medicare

government-run health insurance program for citizens over 65 years old

Medicaid

health care program for the impoverished who cannot afford necessary medical expenses

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010)

making health insurance more affordable

What is the definition of social welfare?

Support provided for disadvantaged people to meet their basic needs.

What are entitlements in the context of federal spending?

Government services and programs that Congress has promised by law to eligible citizens.

What is mandatory spending?

Government expenditure required by law to pay those who are legally entitled to receive specific funds.

What was the primary impact of the Social Security Act on the role of government?

It created a federal safety net for the elderly and unemployed, greatly expanding the federal government's role into what some call the welfare state.

What is Medicare?

A government-run health insurance program for citizens over 65 years old.

What is Medicaid?

A joint federal and state health care program for impoverished individuals who cannot afford necessary medical expenses.

What was the primary goal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010)?

To make health insurance more affordable for American citizens.

What is the overall Libertarian perspective on government involvement in social issues?

Libertarians favor as little government involvement as possible, believing the government's role should be limited to protecting private property and upholding individual liberty.

How do Libertarian views generally map onto the traditional economic and social spectrums?

Libertarians tend to be more conservative on economic issues and more liberal on social issues.

What is the core Liberal stance on government regulation of private decisions?

Liberals believe the government should not regulate private or personal decisions.

How does Conservative ideology view the role of government on social issues compared to economic issues?

Conservatives want less government involvement on some issues (like gun ownership and education), but favor more government regulation on specific social issues (like abortion and traditional marriage).

What did the Supreme Court rule in Planned Parenthood v. Casey regarding abortion restrictions?

It upheld the core ruling of Roe v. Wade while allowing states to require a 24-hour waiting period, parental consent for minors, and husband notification (which was struck down), pleasing conservatives who supported regulations.

What was the central issue in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, and how did liberals and conservatives view it?

It involved school vouchers used for religious schools. Liberals saw it as a violation of the Establishment Clause, while conservatives saw it as upholding freedom of choice in education (conservatives won).

What was the constitutional significance of Obergefell v. Hodges?

The Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, agreeing with the liberal perspective that government should not restrict same-sex marriage rights.