U.S. Economic Development, Education, Crime, and Social Welfare Policies

What are the 4 waves of state economic development?

First Wave: Smokestack chasing — tax breaks, subsidies, low wages. Second Wave: Venture capital, business incubators, workforce training. Third Wave: Move programs from public → private; clusters; interconnectedness. Fourth Wave: "New economy" — tech, human capital, education, quality of life.

How do ideological differences affect economic policy?

Conservatives: less regulation, support private enterprise. Liberals: may favor government intervention, workforce training, incentives.

What are major struggles in the education system?

Weak standards / curriculum drift, costs / funding issues, teacher quality / shortages, student preparedness / dependence / social issues.

What are the roles of the national government in education?

Overarching programs, funding laws (ESEA, Head Start, NCLB).

What are the roles of the state government in education?

Policy making, standards, textbooks, teacher certification.

What are the roles of local school districts in education?

Day-to-day operations.

Where does most education funding come from?

State and local governments.

What factors correlate to increased crime rates?

Male, young, poverty, unemployment, low education, broken families, urban areas, drug abuse, race/ethnicity (higher incarceration rates for minorities).

Who creates the majority of criminal justice policy?

Legislative bodies (state legislatures, city councils).

Who enforces most criminal justice policy day-to-day?

Local law enforcement (municipal police, county sheriffs).

What is the role of a trial jury?

Decides guilt or innocence.

What is the role of a grand jury?

Reviews evidence and issues indictments.

What are the highlights of corrections and sentencing?

Harshest sentences: Southern + conservative states. African Americans / Latinos → longer sentences than whites. Determinate sentencing → fixed, no parole. Three-strikes law → third felony = long sentence. Recidivism > 40% → rehab often fails. Drug enforcement → shifting from punishment → treatment in some states.

What is the status of capital punishment?

Controversial, legal status varies by state, becoming more restrictive over time.

What are the main reasons for social welfare?

Altruistic: society helps those who cannot help themselves. Practical: society benefits when everyone has basic necessities.

Who creates social welfare policy?

National government → broad policy and funding. State governments → design, develop, administer programs.

How do ideology differences affect social welfare?

Conservatives: oppose robust programs → poverty = individual fault. Liberals: support robust programs → poverty = structural problem.

What are the three major types of social welfare benefits?

Direct cash: TANF, SSI, EITC; in-kind programs: SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, housing; social insurance: Social Security, Medicare, unemployment compensation.

What is the role of local governments in healthcare?

Public health, sanitation, hospitals, prevention programs.

What is the role of state governments in healthcare?

Medicaid administration, rural health programs, regulating providers.

What is the purpose of health insurance?

Needed to make medical care affordable.

Who provides health insurance?

Employers, private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare.

Where is access to healthcare best?

Urban areas.

What did the Social Security Amendments of 1965 establish?

Medicare (elderly) and Medicaid (poor).

What did the Affordable Care Act of 2010 do?

Expanded insurance coverage and Medicaid.