Public Policy Concepts and Examples

These flashcards cover key concepts in public policy, including examples and different political ideologies influencing decisions.

Public Problem

A significant issue that requires public attention and action, like climate change or poverty.

Politics of Problem Definition

The framing of social issues, determining the approach to solutions, such as treating the opioid crisis as a public health issue or a crime issue.

Operational Measurement

Ways to quantify social problems, which can influence policy responses, e.g., measuring unemployment with U3 vs. U6.

Government vs. Private Sector Role

Comparison of government regulation (e.g., EPA standards) and voluntary corporate actions (e.g., carbon pledges) in addressing public issues.

Ideologies & Tools

Political beliefs driving public policy approaches, ranging from liberal (more government intervention) to conservative (less regulation).

Effectiveness

The degree to which a program achieves its goals, such as reducing blood lead levels through lead pipe replacement.

Efficiency

Maximizing benefits while minimizing costs, exemplified by vaccines being cheaper than hospital treatments.

Pareto Improvement

A situation where a change benefits at least one individual without harming anyone else, like upgrades to traffic signals.

Equity (Process vs. Outcomes)

Fairness in policy implementation (process equity) versus fairness in results (outcomes equity), such as blind hiring vs. tax credits.

Liberty / Freedom Tradeoffs

Situations where safety regulations limit personal freedoms, such as laws requiring seatbelts.

Feasibility (Political/Admin/Tech)

The practical considerations of implementing a policy, including political will and administrative capacity.

Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)

A method of weighing the benefits of a project against its costs to determine if it is worth pursuing.

Medicare: Parts A & B

Parts of Medicare, with Part A covering hospital stays and Part B covering doctor visits.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Private insurance plans that offer Medicare benefits, often with additional services.

Medicaid Basics

A program to provide healthcare for low-income individuals, including prenatal care.

ACA: Pre-existing & Coverage

Affordable Care Act provisions preventing denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Free-Rider Problem

The issue where uninsured individuals rely on emergency services, raising costs for those with insurance.

Fraud & Abuse in Health Care

Dishonest practices in healthcare, such as false billing for services not rendered.

Social Security: Pay-As-You-Go

A system where current workers' taxes fund retirees' benefits.

TANF (Time-Limited Aid)

Temporary assistance for needy families that includes work requirements.

EITC (Refundable Tax Credit)

A tax credit that returns money to low-wage workers, encouraging employment.

Policy Reforms (Welfare)

Changes to welfare systems aimed at reducing fraud or improving support.