AP Gov: Public Policy and Representative Models Quiz

Necessary & Proper Clause

The federal government can do anything that is necessary and proper for the people as long as these powers are described in the Constitution.

Federal Reserve

Often called The “Fed” and is in charge of raising and lowering interest rates that banks will use. They also oversee the money supply.

Discretionary Spending

where Congress has some leeway on how they want to spend money.

Means-Tested

You are eligible for the benefit based on your income level.

Medicaid

Insurance for people who are below the poverty line.

Tenth Amendment

Anything that is not described in the Constitution is left to the powers of the states.

Trustee

A member of the Congress knows more than their constituents and will vote based on their expertise rather than what’s popular with constituents. You are a “trustee” for their interests.

Delegate

If the majority of your constituents support support an issue, even though you don’t, you’ll vote the way they want because you are their delegate and are meant to represent their voice.

Politico

“Survivor” mode. It’ll make your constituents angry if you vote this way, but it will please party leadership, so you’ll get a better committee assignment which eventually will help your state.

Economic Issues

That there will be more money taken out of social security than money being put in.

Fiscal Policy

Involves crafting the budget, determining taxation levels, and government borrowing, and government spending. Determined by Congress with input from POTUS. Tax bills must start in the House. Treasury Department via IRS collects all the taxes.

Monetary Policy

About the money supply and is overseen by the Federal Reserve Board.

Mandatory Spending

Money spent for programs where people/institutions must have the funds.

Entitlements

Programs people receive because they are eligible for them regardless of need, and usually have paid payroll taxes into them.

Social Security

Created 1935. Employers and employees contribute to Social Security Trust Fund into which Social Security uses to pay the insurance benefit for eligible recipients. It’s a payroll tax.

Medicare

Medical insurance for people over 65.

Veteran’s Benefits

If you’ve served in the military you get these (access to VA hospitals, training, college tuition reimbursement, etc.)

Unemployment Insurance

Taken out of your paycheck when you’re working and provides you with money if you lose your job to lay-offs, etc. Does not work if you get fired.

Environmental Protection Agency

A federal agency that enforces laws to protect the environment and public health. Established 1970 by President Richard Nixon. One of the most politically controversial agencies in the government.

Federal Budget

An important duty of Congress. Drafting and passing the TERM. A detailed financial plan that outlines the government’s expected revenue and proposed expenditures for a specific fiscal year.

Environmental Legislation

Clean Air and Waters Act, Endangered Species Act, Environmental Impact Statements for building projects, roads, etc. Endangered Species Act

Environmental Issues

The 10th amendment. Whether the federal government should get involved because the Constitution does not mention anything about the environment or if it should be left to the states.