Government - Unit 3: Public Policy

majority rules / minority rights

describe how we make decisions in our government; those in opposition to a decision must always have the opportunity to state objections

entitlement programs

programs such as unemployment insurance, disability relief, or disability payments that provide benefits to all eligible citizens

public policy

a specific course of action taken by government to achieve a public goal

political party

a group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, win elections, conduct government, and determine public policy

special interest group

a collection of people or organizations that tries to influence public policy

pell grant

financial aid given to those with exceptional financial need that does not have to be paid back

medicaid

a federal and state assistance program that pays for health care services for people who cannot afford them

medicare

a federal program of health insurance for persons 65 years of age and older

social security

a system of federal financial support for retired workers and workers unable to continue working because of a disability

laissez faire

idea that government should play as small a role as possible in economic affairs

new deal

franklin delano roosevelt’s plan to reform capitalism through forceful government intervention in the economy

great society

lbj’s platform; increased the size and involvement of the government in society. extension of new deal programs and civil rights (24th amendment, civil rights act of 1964)

new federalism

a policy in 1969, that turned over powers and responsibilities of some u.s. federal programs to state and local governments and reduced the role of national government in domestic affairs (states are closer to the people and problems)