Directions: Use this worksheet to record your answers to the Policy Issue Portfolio
activities. Be sure to add citations as necessary to avoid plagiarism on this
worksheet. When you are finished, save this worksheet with your answers and
submit it for a portfolio grade.
Policy Problem Identification
Question 1
You will submit this activity in the last lesson of this unit as part of your portfolio
assignment.
In this portfolio, you will identify policy solutions and seek action to solve a problem.
You will develop a proposal that includes your solutions.
Identify an important issue that is under the control of the national government. Use
the list of delegated powers to help you understand for which issues the national
government is responsible for creating policy. Once you have identified an issue,
respond to the four questions that follow.
As you answer the questions, use credible online resources to learn more about the
topic and its proposed policies. Be sure to add citations as necessary to avoid
plagiarism.
At this time, try not to take a position about the policies the government should
create about the issue. Keep an open mind, and look at multiple perspectives.
1. What is the issue?
2. Why is this issue important?
3. What are four specific examples of how this issue can affect people?
4. What are at least two different opinions about the best policies for this issue?
Remember that most issues have more than two sides.
Question 2
Identify an important issue that is under the control of the state government. Use the
list of reserved powers to help you understand for which issues the state government
is responsible for creating policy. Once you have identified the issue, respond to the
four questions that follow. Be sure to add citations as necessary to avoid plagiarism.
As you answer the questions, use credible online resources to learn more about the
issue and its proposed policies.
At this time, try not to take a position about the policies the government should
create about the issue. Keep an open mind, and look at multiple perspectives.
1. What is the issue?
2. Why is this issue important?
3. What are four specific examples of how this issue can affect people?
4. What are at least two different opinions about the best policies for this issue?
Remember that most issues have more than two sides.
Question 1:
1. The issue I have identified that is under the control of the national government is healthcare policy, specifically the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
2. This issue is important because access to affordable healthcare affects the well-being and quality of life of individuals and families. It also has significant economic implications.
3. Four specific examples of how this issue can affect people are:
a) Lack of access to affordable healthcare can lead to delayed or inadequate medical treatment, potentially resulting in poorer health outcomes.
b) High healthcare costs can lead to financial burden and medical debt for individuals and families.
c) The ACA's provision for pre-existing conditions ensures that individuals with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage or charged higher premiums. This is particularly important for individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
d) The individual mandate under the ACA requires most individuals to have health insurance or pay a penalty. This aims to increase the health insurance pool and reduce costs by spreading the risk.
4. There are various opinions about the best policies for healthcare. Some argue for a government-run, single-payer system where healthcare is provided and financed by the government, while others advocate for market-based approaches with increased competition and consumer choice. There are also debates about the role of government regulation and the balance between personal responsibility and social safety nets.
Question 2:
1. The issue I have identified that is under the control of the state government is education policy, specifically school funding.
2. This issue is important because equitable and adequate funding is crucial for providing quality education and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students.
3. Four specific examples of how this issue can affect people are:
a) Insufficient funding can lead to overcrowded classrooms, outdated resources, and limited extracurricular opportunities, negatively impacting students' learning experiences.
b) Disparities in funding between affluent and disadvantaged districts can perpetuate educational inequalities, as students in wealthier districts may have access to better resources and opportunities.
c) Inadequate funding for special education can hinder the provision of necessary support and accommodations for students with disabilities.
d) Funding cuts can result in teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, and reduced instructional support, affecting the quality of education provided.
4. There are different opinions about the best policies for school funding. Some argue for redistributive funding models that prioritize disadvantaged districts, aiming to ensure equal opportunities for all students. Others advocate for local control and more flexible funding mechanisms, allowing districts to allocate resources based on their specific needs and priorities. Additionally, debates exist about the role of state and federal funding in education and the balance between local control and equity.