1. UNIT #7 Public Policy CHAPTER #19 Domestic Policy LESSON #1-4 Domestic Policy

2. Page 1 UNIT #7 Public Policy CHAPTER #19 Domestic Policy LESSON #1-4 Domestic Policy Defining Domestic Policy -Often referred to as public policy -Domestic policy is the government generating decisions, laws and programs which are directly related to issues within the country -Domestic policy covers a wide range of areas, including: Business Education Energy Health Care Law Enforcement Taxes Natural Resources Social Welfare Personal Rights Freedoms Transportation Immigration Veterans Agriculture

3. Page 2 UNIT #7 Public Policy CHAPTER #19 Domestic Policy LESSON #1-4 Domestic Policy Issues Surrounding Domestic Policy -Many domestic policy debates concern what is the appropriate amount of government spending, taxing and regulating -Governments are generally expected to provide certain services for their citizens Conservatives generally want less spending, and less taxing Liberals generally want more services and are comfortable with higher taxing -Wealthier nation tend to have an easier time spending money and enforcing regulations -Domestic policy issues are often similar for different countries throughout the world

4. Page 2 UNIT #7 Public Policy CHAPTER #19 Domestic Policy LESSON #1-4 Domestic Policy Entitlement Problems -The United States has enjoyed a long period of sustained economic growth (Post-WWII) -Entitlement programs have grown to further provide for the well-being of the citizenry -Social Security -GI Bill/Veterans Health -Medicare/Medicaid -Low Income Housing/Food Stamps -Initially, those benefits were easily paid for -However with a growing/aging population, the amount paid out threatens to push the United States into extreme debt -With an rising debt, the United States’ ability to borrow is threatened (credit rating)