American Government

  

3. American Fiscal Policy has dramatically changed several times in the past three-quarters of a century. United States commitments to its citizens and the attitude of the American public regarding these commitments remain in flux.

a. Describe societal conditions that led to fiscal policy decisions during the 1930s under President Franklin Roosevelt and during the 1960s under President Lyndon Johnson. What specific fiscal policy programs resulted from these conditions during these two decades and How did they alter American lives?

b. Explain how the fiscal policy program changes during the 1930s and 1960s affect fiscal policy today using the following measurements: Mandatory spending (uncontrollables) and discretionary spending.

c. Discuss how the United States overall Debt impacts American fiscal policy and budget issues and explain how the debt differs from the Deficit.

d. The Welfare State (entitlements) invites both criticism and praise in the United States. Discuss the pros of providing assistance to the needy citing specific programs as evidence for your position.

e. Discuss the cons of the Welfare State citing specific programs as evidence for your position.

f. The future of the Social Security and Medicare programs impact United States fiscal policies. Explain whether you think Social Security and Medicare should be changed from its current system. Why/Why not

4. United States Foreign Policy has been thrust into the forefront of international relations since WWII. George Washingtons Farewell Address warned of entangled alliances. This recommendation seems difficult in todays world.

a. Discuss how American Foreign Policy changed after WWII citing specific examples.

b. Describe the Goals of American Foreign Policy today and how they impact American society.

c. Explain the problems related to the implementation of US foreign policy goals as they relate to policymakers, foreign nations and international organizations/NGOs.

d. Discuss the success/failure of at least TWO tools (other than military force) used in American foreign policy citing specific examples for each.

e. Discuss the success or failure of American foreign policy as it relates to the War on Terror and domestic terrorism.

f. Explain whether the United States should use military force as a foreign policy tool. Why/Why not?