| A | B |
|---|
| social welfare policies | Laws that enact programs to address the needs of citizens (such as the poor and elderly) |
| entitlement programs | financial benefits provided to citizens by the government. Recipients must meet some sort of requirement to receive them (such as age or income level or veteran status) and then are entitled. |
| means-tested programs | Given to people based on need. For example, those with low finances receive food stamps, welfare, and Medicaid. |
| income distribution | the way the nation's income is divided into shares. |
| relative deprivation | when people believe that they are discontent because they do not have what someone else has |
| income | the amount a person receives in money (paychecks, gifts, etc) in a period of time, for example in one year. Your salary for one year is your income. |
| wealth | the total value of a person's possessions, property, etc |
| poverty line | the minimum level of income which is (determined by the government) needed to survive |
| feminization of poverty | the phenomenon whereby women are more likely to be poor than men |
| progressive tax | Our income tax system in the US is set up this way where those who earn more pay not only more money but also are taxed at a higher percentage rate |
| proportional tax | The tax rate is fixed. For example, all people will pay 10% in taxes. |
| regressive tax | A tax in which those who earn less money will pay a higher tax rate and those with higher incomes get taxed at a lower percentage rate. |
| Earned Income Tax Credit | A tax credit for those with low and medium incomes, particularly those with children. Sometimes this results in people being refunded all of the taxes they paid plus getting additional money given to them by the government. |
| transfer payments | A payment made to individuals by the government. Includes welfare, social security payments, and subsidies |
| Social Security Act (1935) | As part of the 2nd New Deal, this law was passed to provide a minimum retirement income to the elderly. |
| Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act | Part of the "Contract with America" of the Republican Congress during (D) Clinton's presidency. Instituted TANF and reformed the welfare system. |
| Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) | Granted states wider discretion in how to run their welfare programs (devolution). Gave people an incentive to look for work while receiving welfare benefits. Replaced the previous AFDC program. |
| Social Security Trust Fund | The place where employees' payroll contributions and employers' contributions are kept. This money is then redistributed to current beneficiaries receiving Social Security payments. |
| "War on Poverty" | LBJ's plans to a address poverty, such as by starting free preschool for the poor through the creation of Head Start.. Part of his Great Society domestic plan. |
