Public Policy Basics
What is public policy?
The government’s plan or course of action to solve a problem affecting the public
What is a constituent?
A person who lives in an area and is represented by an elected official
Why might the government regulate businesses?
To protect consumers/workers
Which level of government would likely handle potholes?
Local
Who benefits from Social Security payments?
Elderly/retirees
Name a federal government agency that enforces the law?
FBI, ATF, ICE
Who represents constituents at the local level?
Officials like a mayor, town council, or school board
Name an industry that would benefit from economic regulations
Answers may vary
Which level of government handles issues like healthcare?
Federal
Who might lose from the state of NH not requiring inspections on cars?
Who might benefit from the state of NH not requiring inspections on cars?
Mechanics
social regulations
Who represents constituents at the state level?
Governor and state legislators (state senate/house)
Why is public policy considered “personal”?
It affects people’s daily lives and finances
What are two areas that states have exclusive control over?
licenses, Traffic laws, Minimum Wage
Name a group that would benefit from universal healthcare and a group that would loose from universal healthcare?
Benefit: Children in poverty, single parents, middle income earners, low income families
Losers: Health Insurance companies, Pharmaceutical companies
What is it called when the government supplies something that is not money?
Provisions
What are the two most powerful positions in government that are not decided by a DIRECT election?
President and Supreme Court Justices
Name two things that a member of congress must consider before voting on a bill.
Cost & what will my constituents think of this bill
Give an example of an issue that could involve multiple levels of government
Education, transportation, environment
Give an example where one group benefits and another pays the cost
Taxes funding schools, subsidies, etc.
Give an example of the Town Council creating a policy that impacts your daily life.
crosswalks, plowing snow, potholes, parks and rec
Name a person that represents you at the local, state, and national level
Local___________
State____________
National__________
Food prices are getting too high, what might the government do to solve this problem
Provide famers subsidies to artificially deflate the cost of food
Why might it be beneficial to NOT have the federal government control all policy?
Why is the federal government sometimes the best tool for the job?
Allows flexibility, local control, and tailored solutions
It has the most resources and power to try to fix problems urgently
Why do most school budgets around the country fail when voted upon by the community?
The primary group of people the budget effects are not of voting age (students) or are working on election day (parents)