When the 1996 welfare reform legislation ordered the federal ...

[ts19998]

When the 1996 welfare reform legislation ordered the federal government to promote marriage, why did advocates think this was a good thing? What did critics say? What could the government do to promote marriage?
 
  Answer:

Question 2

How are Medicare and Social Security funded, and why are some people concerned about the long-term sustainability of these programs?
 
  Answer:

[Sophiapenny]

Answer to Question 1

An ideal response will:
1. Identify the arguments for this idea: married adults are happier, healthier, and wealthier and are more likely to give their children a healthier start in life; and more marriages could reduce health costs by reducing depression and crime.
2. Identify the arguments against the idea: domestic violence and child abuse occur almost as frequently in married as in unmarried households; government grants for marriage could promote false marriages designed to get cash; and the best way to improve conditions of welfare recipients is to find them good-paying jobs.
3. Note the ways government could promote marriage: by reducing the penalties imposed on welfare recipients who get married, and through advertising, counseling, or even providing cash grants for getting married.

Answer to Question 2

An ideal response will:
1. Explain that Medicare and Social Security are funded as pay-as-you-go programs, with trust funds that cover the cost of these programs when payroll taxes fall below benefits.
2. Note that Medicare's trust fund is expected to run out of money some time in the next three to five years.
3. Discuss the strain placed on these programs by the fact that people are living long and that the costs of health care are increasing.