Domestic and Welfare Policy

What is the definition of government in the context of this lecture?

The means by which a society organizes itself and allocates authority to achieve collective goals.

What are some of the goals that governments seek to accomplish?

Economic prosperity, secure national borders, and the safety and well-being of citizens.

What is public policy?

The decisions that government makes that have effects on society and people’s lives.

Who stated that 'Public policy is the prize of politics'?

Hacker and Pierson (2014).

What is a policy output?

An action performed by government, such as a law or an executive order.

What is a policy outcome?

An indicator in the world that public policy tries to change, usually for societal benefit.

Give an example of a law that is a policy output. What was its intended outcome?

The Illinois legislature passes a law requiring seat belts; intended outcome: fewer deaths by car accidents.

What do domestic and welfare policies address?

They are enacted to address citizens’ needs and improve well-being in fields like healthcare and education.

What are the three types of domestic and welfare public policies?

Distributive, redistributive, and regulatory policies.

What is distributive policy?

Spending money on important programs or projects that benefit the public good.

What are ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ in distributive policy?

Winners are those receiving public funding; losers are taxpayers who disagree with the policy.

What does redistributive policy aim to achieve?

It aims to share resources to reduce inequality and promote social welfare.

Who are considered winners and losers in redistributive policies?

Winners are those who qualify for benefits; losers are those who do not qualify or pay higher taxes.

Give examples of redistributive policies. What controversy surrounds them?

Food stamps, Medicare; they are criticized for promoting welfare reliance and targeting certain demographics.

What do regulatory policies seek to do?

Sanction bad activities and behaviors.

In regulatory policies, who are the winners and losers?

Winners are those harmed by the activity; losers are those who are regulated.

What is policy analysis?

The examination and evaluation of the impact of implemented public policies.

What is the primary driver behind policy change?

Problem solving.

What factors influence policymakers to address a problem?

The severity of the problem and availability of information sources.

What does Kingdon (1984) suggest about conditions for policy change?

Policy changes when a prioritized problem, potential solutions, and political opportunity align.

What is a 'Window of Opportunity' in policy making?

When political elites take advantage of a current problem to accomplish other goals.

How do economic systems relate to social redistributive policies?

They determine where a country stands on the capitalist-socialist scale.

What characterizes a capitalist economic system?

Promotes free market policies with little to no social services.

What characterizes a socialist economic system?

Provides vast social services to citizens.

Describe the Nordic Model of economic systems.

Combines capitalism with a strong welfare state.

How does the U.S. economy compare to other countries regarding social services?

The U.S. provides very few social services compared to other countries.

What major economic trend has occurred in the U.S. from the 1970s to present?

The rise of neoliberalism and a return to less regulated economy and minimal services.

What are some major problems facing the U.S. economy?

High healthcare costs, demographic changes, climate change, and inadequate social welfare programs.

How does the Democratic Party view the economic system?

Advocates for a mixed economy tempering capitalism with progressive taxation and regulation.

What economic policies does the Republican Party advocate for?

Neoliberal policies aimed at cutting taxes and deregulating market activities.