Question 1

The percentage of the U.S.population living in poverty during the 2000 to 2014 period

Accepted Answer

The answer of The percentage of the U.S.population living in...

Question 2

Entitlement programs include

Accepted Answer

Entitlement programs include both public assistance programs (such as welfare) and social insurance programs (such as Social Security and Medicare). Public assistance programs provide assistance to low-income individuals and families, while social insurance programs provide benefits to individuals based on their prior contributions or work history. Both types of programs are considered entitlements because individuals who meet the eligibility requirements are entitled to receive benefits.

Question 3

Of the following groups, which had the highest incidence of poverty in 2014?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Of the following groups, which had the...

Question 4

In 2014, the poverty line for a family of four was about

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the poverty guideline for a family of four in 2014 was $24,230.

Question 5

In 2014, the percentage of the total U.S.population that lived in poverty was approximately

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2014, the official poverty rate was 14.8 percent, which rounded to 15 percent. Therefore, the best choice is C) 15 percent.

Question 6

Government programs, such as Social Security, food stamps, AFDC, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid, that guarantee particular levels of transfer payments to all who fit the programs' criteria are called

Accepted Answer

These programs are known as entitlement programs because individuals who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to receive the guaranteed transfer payments.

Question 7

Which of the following is not a major complaint about the official income data used in measuring poverty?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of measuring and releasing income and poverty data is not a major complaint about the official income data used in measuring poverty. The major complaints include inadequate measurement of purchasing power and household consumption levels, and not accounting for noncash transfers and benefits.

Question 8

Greater income equality that is achieved through the redistribution of income is thought to

Accepted Answer

Redistribution of income can create disincentives to work, save and invest because people may feel less motivated to be productive if they are receiving government transfers or if their income is heavily taxed. This can lead to reduced production and ultimately lower incomes for everyone.

Question 9

A reduction in the redistribution of income

Accepted Answer

When there is a reduction in the redistribution of income, it means that the government is providing fewer programs and policies that aim to reduce income inequality by transferring wealth to those with lower incomes. This results in more income inequality because the gap between the rich and the poor widens. While it may raise the standard of living for some people who are already well-off, it does not necessarily lower the poverty rate for those in need.

Question 10

Poverty is a condition where a person or family does not have the means to

Accepted Answer

Poverty is defined as a situation in which an individual or family lacks the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, and clothing. Therefore, the best choice is D, which specifically mentions meeting basic needs. Option A refers to fulfilling desires, while B and C are related to financial stability rather than poverty.

Question 11

Social insurance programs partially replace income that has been lost due to the following, except

Accepted Answer

Social insurance programs are designed to provide financial assistance and support to individuals who have lost their income due to factors outside their control, such as retirement, disability, or temporary unemployment. However, individuals who voluntarily resign from their job are not typically eligible for social insurance benefits.

Question 12

The following groups in the U.S.all had higher-than-the-national-average poverty rates in 2014, except

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2014, households headed by females, foreign-born noncitizens, and Hispanics all had poverty rates higher than the national average. However, the poverty rate for persons 65 or older was actually lower than the national average.

Question 13

The debate over income distribution focuses on the trade-off between

Accepted Answer

The debate over income distribution centers around the balance between economic efficiency (growth and productivity) and equality (fairness and social justice). It is about finding ways to redistribute wealth without hampering economic growth, and to promote a more balanced and inclusive society. Unemployment and economic freedom, as well as unemployment and economic growth, are not directly related to the issue of income distribution. While equality and economic freedom are both important, they are not necessarily in conflict with each other.

Question 14

Which of the following statements applies to the Social Security program?

Accepted Answer

Social Security is financed through payroll taxes on both employees and employers. The other options describe different programs, such as Medicaid (A), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (B), and Supplemental Security Income (D).

Question 15

In the U.S., the percentage of total population living in poverty fell significantly during which of the following periods?

Accepted Answer

During the period of 1959-1969, the poverty rate in the U.S. was significantly reduced due to the implementation of various social welfare programs under President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society initiatives.

Question 16

One main complaint about the official income thresholds used in defining poverty is that they

Accepted Answer

The official income thresholds used in defining poverty are based on outdated calculations that do not adequately reflect the cost of living in major metropolitan areas. As a result, many individuals and families who fall below the poverty line struggle to meet their basic needs such as housing, healthcare, and education. This has led to calls for an updated poverty measure that takes into account regional differences in the cost of living.

Question 17

Government programs that pay benefits to those who are unable to earn income because of permanent disabilities or to those who have very low incomes and dependent children are called

Accepted Answer

Public assistance programs are designed to provide income support to individuals and families who qualify based on their level of need, such as low income or disability. Social insurance programs, on the other hand, are funded through payroll taxes and provide benefits to individuals who have paid into the system, such as Social Security or Medicare. Affirmative action programs are not related to income support or disability benefits. "Dependent programs" is not a commonly used term in this context.

Question 18

The pizza analogy of income distribution would be most closely associated with which one of the following questions?

Accepted Answer

The pizza analogy of income distribution refers to the concept of dividing a pizza into slices to represent the distribution of income in a society. This analogy is often used to explain the concept of income inequality. Therefore, question B is most closely related to the pizza analogy as it deals with the topic of how to divide the pizza (income) in a fair and equitable way.

Question 19

In the pizza analogy for income distribution, the pizza would shrink because

Accepted Answer

In the pizza analogy for income distribution, the shrinking of the pizza represents a reduction in the overall size of the economy or the total available wealth. Redistribution of income can reduce the incentives to work, innovate and invest, leading to a decline in economic growth and the overall size of the pizza. As a result, the pizza would shrink due to decreased productivity and less surpluses for reinvestment, which would further reduce economic growth.

Question 20

Social Security payments are primarily made to assist

Accepted Answer

Social Security payments are primarily designed to assist retired and disabled workers. However, in some cases, family members of retired or disabled workers may also be eligible for Social Security benefits. Social Security payments are not intended to assist families with dependent children, families affected by natural disasters, or unemployed workers.

Quiz 23: Income Inequality, Poverty, and Discrimination