Question 1

In providing federal assistance, the most generous states in the country tend to be located in the

Accepted Answer

According to data from the Tax Foundation, the top donor states (states that receive less in federal assistance than they pay in federal taxes) tend to be located in the Northeast and West. Meanwhile, the top recipient states (states that receive more in federal assistance than they pay in federal taxes) tend to be located in the South and Midwest. This suggests that the Northeast and West are more generous in providing federal assistance to other states than the South and Midwest.

Question 2

In 1983, Congress made a number of changes to Social Security to deal with the pending shortfall including

Accepted Answer

The answer of In 1983, Congress made a number of...

Question 3

Social insurance is defined as

Accepted Answer

Social insurance programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance, are funded through payroll taxes paid by workers and their employers. Eligibility for these programs is based on prior contributions to the government, rather than need.

Question 4

The federal government also provides what some critics label ________________ to favored industries such as agriculture and corporate bailouts to businesses such as investment banks.

Accepted Answer

The term "corporate welfare" specifically implies handouts and benefits from the government to businesses, which is the closest fit to the description given in the sentence. The other choices, such as bailout programs and welfare programs, do not necessarily apply to "favored industries" or "investment banks."

Question 5

The poverty level standard changes with the size of the family and the cost of living.For 2008, individuals who made just over $_______ and families of four who made just over $_______were eligible for means-tested assistance.

Accepted Answer

According to the question, the poverty level standard changes with the size of the family and the cost of living. Therefore, it is important to look for the poverty guidelines for the specific family size. For 2008, the poverty guideline for a family of four was $21,200 and for an individual was $10,400. "Just over" these amounts would make individuals who made just over $10,000 and families of four who made just over $21,000 eligible for means-tested assistance. Choice C matches these values.

Question 6

In 2007, the federal minimum wage was increased to

Accepted Answer

The federal minimum wage was increased to $7.25 per hour in 2007.

Question 7

In 2008, Social Security and Medicare expenditures totaled how much?

Accepted Answer

In 2008, Social Security and Medicare expenditure totaled $966 billion.

Question 8

The 1996 Welfare Reform Legislation included which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The 1996 Welfare Reform Legislation included all of the options given. It provided welfare benefits to legal immigrants, imposed a 5-year time limit on benefits, and required recipients to enter some kind of work training program within 2 months of receiving benefits.

Question 9

As a percentage within their own population, a larger proportion of which of these groups is poor?

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2019, the poverty rate amongst African Americans was 18.8% and amongst Hispanic Americans was 15.7%. This is significantly higher than the poverty rate amongst white Americans, which was 7.3%. Therefore, as a percentage within their own population, a larger proportion of African Americans and Hispanic Americans are poor compared to other groups mentioned in the options.

Question 10

Programs in which eligibility is based on prior contributions to government, usually in the form of payroll taxes, are called

Accepted Answer

Programs in which eligibility is based on prior contributions to government in the form of payroll taxes are called social insurance programs. Examples of social insurance programs in the United States include Social Security and Medicare. These programs are distinct from means-tested entitlements, which provide assistance to individuals based on their income or assets. Public assistance programs are a broader category that includes both means-tested entitlements and other government-funded programs that provide assistance to individuals and families in need. The social safety net refers to the overall system of government programs and policies designed to protect individuals from economic hardship.

Question 11

More women than men are poor in

Accepted Answer

According to statistical data, globally, more women than men are poor in terms of absolute numbers and proportions. Therefore, option B is the correct answer. The other options are either not supported by data or too specific to certain regions.

Question 12

In providing federal assistance, the least generous states are in the

Accepted Answer

Historically, states in the South have been identified as the least generous in providing federal assistance. This is due to a combination of factors including political, economic, and historical reasons that influence policy decisions related to welfare and federal aid distribution.

Question 13

The federal government began protecting women and children against poverty with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Infancy and Maternity Protection Act was the first federal law to protect women and children against poverty.

Question 14

"Middle-class welfare" refers to

Accepted Answer

"Middle-class welfare" encompasses various forms of government assistance and incentives that primarily benefit the middle class, including aid for college students through loans, tax deductions for home mortgages, access to national parks and forests, and tax credits for college tuition payments. These benefits are designed to support the financial stability and quality of life for middle-class individuals and families.

Question 15

Social Security was designed primarily to benefit

Accepted Answer

Social Security was designed primarily to benefit older workers by providing a source of income after retirement.

Question 16

Beneficiaries of the Social Security Act include

Accepted Answer

The Social Security Act provides benefits to all the above-mentioned categories of individuals, including widows and widowers, children of deceased or disabled persons, retired persons, and disabled workers. Therefore, the best choice is E, all of the above.

Question 17

President Lyndon B.Johnson was successful in getting Congress to enact the Great Society's social programs.Which of the following was NOT a Great Society program?

Accepted Answer

Social Security was not a part of the Great Society programs. It was actually created under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s.

Question 18

Many federal assistance programs are partnerships with state governments because

Accepted Answer

States and local governments have the administrative infrastructure in place to efficiently distribute federal assistance programs to recipients. Additionally, states have historically played a significant role in protecting their citizens against hardships, making them natural partners in federal assistance programs.

Question 19

Public assistance in the United States today incorporates elements of

Accepted Answer

Public assistance in the United States today includes job training programs, transportation subsidies, housing subsidies, and tax credits for low-income individuals. Each of these programs is designed to alleviate the financial burden on those who qualify for public assistance and help them achieve greater financial stability. Together, these elements make up the safety net that provides crucial support for millions of Americans.

Question 20

The "feminization of poverty" refers to

Accepted Answer

The "feminization of poverty" is the trend of increasing numbers of women living in poverty, often due to gender-based discrimination and women being over-represented in low-paying jobs or unpaid caregiving roles. It does not refer to feminist women or women who help the poor in general.

Quiz 19: Making Social Policy