Political Science

Name: ___________________

The activity is about national debt and healthcare policy. It is required to complete activities in this module.

Activity #3A: US National Debt

From time to time, concern over the national debt prompts politicians to place spending-reduction policies on the national agenda. However, United States has had a long history of debts and deficits, and history has shown that debt levels have fluctuated over.

A variety of sources are available to track this debt. Go to U.S. Debt Clock (Link opens in a new window) to find useful information on federal (national) debt and analyze problems. And then answer to several questions below.

Q 1-1: What is the current federal (national) debt? $_______

Q 1-2: What is the debt per person? $_______

Q 1-3: What is the debt per taxpayer? $_______

Q 1-4: What is the federal budget deficit? $_______

Q 1-5: What are three largest budget items?

a. Largest budget item _______

b. 2nd largest budget item _______

c. 3rd largest budget item _______

Q 1-6: What are the concerns about long-term debt? What are the options to deficit spending? Would you be willing to pay higher taxes and receive fewer services in order to reduce the federal budget deficit? Do you think candidates (for presidency, senate, and congress) in the United States would be successful if they ran for office promising to cut spending and increase taxes? Why or why not? (You are required to write 150 words).

Activity #3B

Economic policy is one of the most important public policy areas. What are the various goals of government involvement in the economy? Should the government be concerned most with protecting the welfare of its citizens, or ensuring competition in the free market? Should the government strive to maximize economic growth? To protect consumers? To protect the environment? In cases in which these goals conflict, how ought we prioritize them?

Make sure to post one original post requiring 300 words in length