Question 1

The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA)and the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA)were similar approaches to government sponsored employment.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 2

A head of household working full-time and earning the minimum wage can sustain a family of three above the poverty line.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 3

What is the federal budget deficit?  What are the current social welfare policy consequences of the deficit?  What would you recommend to help eliminate the deficit?

Accepted Answer

The federal budget deficit is the amount by which government spending exceeds government revenue in a given fiscal year. This deficit is typically financed by borrowing, which adds to the national debt.

The current social welfare policy consequences of the deficit include potential cuts to social welfare programs such as Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and housing assistance. These programs may face reduced funding or eligibility requirements in order to address the deficit.

To help eliminate the deficit, I would recommend a combination of spending cuts and revenue increases. This could involve reevaluating and potentially reducing spending in certain areas, such as defense or subsidies, while also considering tax reforms or increases to generate additional revenue. It's important to approach deficit reduction in a balanced way that minimizes the impact on vulnerable populations and ensures that essential social welfare programs are still able to effectively support those in need. Additionally, addressing long-term drivers of the deficit, such as healthcare and entitlement spending, will be crucial in creating a sustainable solution.

Question 4

The unemployment insurance program:

Accepted Answer

A)  provides cash assistance until an unemployed worker finds a new job
B)  is paid for by federal general revenue funds
C)  is a joint program administered by both the federal and state  governments
D)  was added to the Social Security Act in 1948
E)  provides cash assistance to workers who voluntarily quit their jobs

Question 5

Why is it important for social workers to understand the role of economics in the development of social welfare policies and the delivery of social welfare services?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is it important for social workers...

Question 6

The federal budget deficit:

Accepted Answer

A)  is not a major problem
B)  is the amount of money the federal government overspends each year
C)  is the accumulated total amount of money the federal government owes  to its creditors
D)  is a new phenomenon of the new century
E)  is unconstitutional

Question 7

Welfare is a concept that is thought to only relate to people who are poor.  Does it apply to other factions of the economy?  How do you explain the use of the term "corporate welfare"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Welfare is a concept that is thought...

Question 8

The federal government has a history of involvement in job creation through

Accepted Answer

A)  Unemployment Insurance
B)  TANF, SNAP and EITC
C)  CETA, JTPA and WIA
D)  Social insurance and public assistance
E)  OASDI

Question 9

The minimum wage is:

Accepted Answer

A)  linked to the cost of living
B)  a policy by which the government intervenes to guarantee a base hourly  wage
C)  set by each locality and varies from region to region
D)  a new policy, passed into law in 1986
E)  all of the above

Question 10

How are the ideologies of social work different from those of economics?  Give examples and explain

Accepted Answer

The answer of How are the ideologies of social work...

Question 11

How do you explain the dilemma that unemployment can be beneficial to the business community, but detrimental to workers?  What difficulties does this present when developing economically sound social welfare policies?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do you explain the dilemma that...

Question 12

Federal income taxes are designed to be regressive taxes

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Over the past fifty years, the composition of the work force has changed dramatically.  What are the key changes?  What social welfare problems and needs are of concern due to these changes?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Over the past fifty years, the composition...

Question 14

Social work and economics differ because

Accepted Answer

A)  the competitive marketplace of economics is not compatible with the values of social work
B)  social workers are women and economists are men
C)  social work emphasizes cost/benefits and economics emphasizes economies of scale
D)  the analytics of social work are greater than the analytics of economics
E)  there is no difference

Question 15

The Earned Income Tax Credit is an anti-poverty program because:

Accepted Answer

A)  every person who receives public assistance also receives monthly tax credits
B)  businesses get a tax credit for hiring low-income workers
C)  it is linked to the minimum wage
D)  it allows for a decrease in taxes paid by low-income workers
E)  it is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services

Question 16

The program that guarantees a base hourly wage

Accepted Answer

A)  the Earned Income Tax Credit
B)  the Fair Wage Initiative
C)  the Wage Incentive Action
D)  the Minimum Wage
E)  the Hourly Income Initiative

Question 17

The official count for the rate of unemployment includes:

Accepted Answer

A)  people who are working in jobs that are inadequate for their skill level
B)  people who have given up looking for a job
C)  people who cannot find support which is necessary for their  employment
D)  people who have made efforts to find a job in the previous four weeks
E)  striking workers

Question 18

The housing market has proven to be

Accepted Answer

A)  a stable economic environment
B)  an area for minimal government involvement
C)  a long term place for most families to develop assets
D)  a private domain with no federal involvement
E)  an arena irrelevant to social welfare policy

Question 19

In 2006, Congress took action to increase the minimum wage, reaching $7.25 per hour.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

Annual expenses on TANF account for

Accepted Answer

A)  less than one percent of the national budget
B)  about 10 percent of the national budget
C)  about 5 percent of the national budget
D)  none of the national budget, funds are covered by state and local governments
E)  a significant portion of social welfare expenses by the federal government

Exam 8: Economics, Employment, Budgets, and Taxes