ap gov unit v

Entitlement programs

Government programs that provide benefits based on specific eligibility criteria, like age or disability, without regard to need.

Means-tested programs

Programs that provide benefits only to those who meet certain income or resource requirements.

Poverty line

The threshold of income established by the government to determine who is considered poor.

Feminization of poverty

The phenomenon where women, especially single mothers, are more likely to live in poverty than men due to various socio-economic factors.

Progressive tax

A tax system where the rate of taxation increases as income rises.

Proportional tax

A tax system where the tax rate remains the same regardless of income.

Regressive tax

A tax system where lower-income individuals pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes compared to higher-income individuals.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

A refundable tax credit aimed at helping low- to moderate-income workers by reducing poverty and incentivizing work.

Social Security

A government program that provides retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits funded through payroll taxes.

AFDC

Aid to Families with Dependent Children, a federal program providing financial aid to low-income families with children.

TANF

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which replaced AFDC with stricter requirements including work mandates.

FICA

Federal Insurance Contributions Act, taxes paid by most workers in the U.S. to fund Social Security and Medicare.

Retirement benefits

Monthly payments to retired workers based on their earnings history from Social Security.

Disability benefits

Monthly payments for individuals unable to work due to severe disabilities provided by Social Security.

Survivors’ benefits

Benefits paid to family members of deceased workers, including spouses, children, and dependent parents.

Welfare Reform Act of 1996

Legislation aimed at reducing welfare dependence by promoting work and shifting welfare responsibility to state governments.

Income

The money an individual or household receives from work, investments, or other sources over a specific period of time.

Wealth

The total value of assets owned by an individual or household, including property, stocks, and savings.