Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of economy does the United States have?
What type of economy does the United States have?
Mixed economy
Why does the government regulate the economy?
Why does the government regulate the economy?
To control big fluctuations
What is fiscal policy? How does it affect the economy?
What is fiscal policy? How does it affect the economy?
Government taxing and spending
What is monetary policy? How does it affect the economy?
What is monetary policy? How does it affect the economy?
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What is the biggest job of the US Congress each year? Why?
What is the biggest job of the US Congress each year? Why?
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Why should people care about foreign policy?
Why should people care about foreign policy?
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Who makes foreign policy for the United States?
Who makes foreign policy for the United States?
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How is the military used in foreign policy?
How is the military used in foreign policy?
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How are economic strategies used in foreign policy?
How are economic strategies used in foreign policy?
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Explain what is meant by a mixed economy.
Explain what is meant by a mixed economy.
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Explain why Americans accept, even expect, some government regulation of the economy.
Explain why Americans accept, even expect, some government regulation of the economy.
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Briefly explain fiscal and monetary policy. Which government personnel are responsible for implementing each type of policy?
Briefly explain fiscal and monetary policy. Which government personnel are responsible for implementing each type of policy?
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Explain the difference between mandatory spending and discretionary spending.
Explain the difference between mandatory spending and discretionary spending.
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What are the three techniques of public control addressed in the textbook?
What are the three techniques of public control addressed in the textbook?
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What are contributory programs? Give two examples.
What are contributory programs? Give two examples.
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What is a process that requires applicants to show financial need for public assistance called?
What is a process that requires applicants to show financial need for public assistance called?
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What are programs that provide assistance based on need rather than contribution?
What are programs that provide assistance based on need rather than contribution?
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Senior citizens receive roughly what fraction of all federal dollars? Which two programs make up most of that spending?
Senior citizens receive roughly what fraction of all federal dollars? Which two programs make up most of that spending?
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Study Notes
Economy Overview
- The United States operates a mixed economy, combining elements of capitalism and socialism.
- Government regulation is essential to prevent significant economic fluctuations, fostering public trust in its role.
Fiscal Policy
- Fiscal policy encompasses government taxation and spending strategies.
- Government spending injects money into the economy, while taxation removes it.
- Reducing taxes and increasing spending can stimulate economic growth.
Monetary Policy
- Monetary policy relates to the management of the money supply in the economy.
- Increasing money supply is believed to boost economic activity, while decreasing it is thought to slow down the economy.
Congressional Budget Role
- The primary responsibility of the U.S. Congress annually is to create the budget.
- The budget holds symbolic importance in defining national priorities and is crucial for government operations to avoid shutdowns.
Foreign Policy Importance
- Foreign policy impacts domestic economy and national security.
- Global events can have direct consequences on the U.S. economy and safety.
Creation of Foreign Policy
- U.S. foreign policy is developed by the president, advisers, Congress, interest groups, think tanks, and influential elites.
Military Use in Foreign Policy
- The military is used as a tool for persuasion in international relations, often leveraging the threat or use of force.
Economic Strategies in Foreign Policy
- Economic strategies include treaties, free trade agreements, and sanctions to incentivize foreign compliance.
- Military action may follow should economic strategies fail.
Mixed Economy Definition
- A mixed economy blends capitalism with government ownership and regulation to balance market and social needs.
Expectation for Regulation
- Historical context from the Great Depression and the New Deal established American expectations for government intervention in economic crises.
Fiscal vs. Monetary Policy Implementation
- Fiscal policy, tied to government taxation and spending, is handled by the president and Congress.
- Monetary policy, controlling the money supply, is managed by the Federal Reserve Board.
Spending Types
- Mandatory spending: Fixed obligations (Social Security, Medicare) that the government is required to fund.
- Discretionary spending: Flexible expenditures, which Congress can adjust annually.
Public Control Techniques
- Three main techniques of public control: promotional, regulatory, and redistributive.
Contributory Programs
- Social programs funded by taxes or mandatory contributions from beneficiaries are called contributory programs.
- Examples include Social Security and Medicare.
Means Testing
- A process requiring applicants to demonstrate financial need to qualify for public assistance is known as means testing.
Noncontributory Programs
- Assistance programs available based on need rather than previous contributions are classified as noncontributory programs.
Federal Spending on Seniors
- Senior citizens account for approximately 7.65% of total federal expenditure, primarily through Social Security and Medicare programs.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts from Economics Lesson 12. It focuses on the mixed economy of the United States, the role of government regulation, and the impact of fiscal policy. Test your understanding of these essential economic principles.