Call to OrderGrab the Graphic Organizer ½ Sheet from your teacher.

1. Examine the picture and explain how it could relate to GOVERNMENT actions in the LEFT column.

2. Leave the RIGHT column blank.

Today’s ObjectiveStudents will be able to examine the basis of public policy issues in America by

Analyzing images in an anticipation guide Completing Cornell Notes Categorizing scenarios Proposing and evaluating solutions to public

policy issues Completing an HSA exit ticket

What is Public Policy?Programs developed by the government in order to improve the lives of people in the United States.

Identify a public

problem.

If enough people are concerned, they take

action.

Public problems

often have more than

one solution

Each solution has advantages

and disadvantag

es

The gov’t, community

, and individuals

have to work

together

Public Policies are complex problems, and each possible solution will have advantages and

disadvantages.

Urban Renewal PolicyThe gov’t

encourages people to buy

rundown housing and

rebuild in order to improve an

area.

Bring population back to the city Increases taxes gained from properties (so

the city can provide more services!) Establish affordable public housing.

Environmental Policy

Individuals and businesses

have to follow laws that the government

passes to protect the

environment.

Regulating pollution from cars Protecting natural land Looks for alternative energy sources

Education PolicyThe government funds schools

and monitors how they perform. Tests / required courses are used to gauge student achievement.

State Curriculum determines what is taught

MSA/HSA Exams School performance

is tracked

I’ve got a big fat check for the

states with the best scores!I’ve

got’n ider!

I don’t buy it.

Transportation PolicyFocuses on the cleanest, safest,

and fastest ways for people to travel within the U.S.

Interstate Highway System

Carpool lanes High Speed Railways Subways Buses

Health & Welfare PolicyThe gov’t

tries to protect the health and

welfare of its citizens

Medicaid helps covered medical expenses for people with low incomes Food Stamps help people with low-incomes buy food Social Security provides financial assistance to retired persons

GO BACK!Reexamine the Call to Order ½ Sheet!• Examine the picture and explain which public policy

issue it relates to in the column on the RIGHT

Health & Welfare

Transportation

environmentalUrban renewal

education

What is Public Policy?Programs developed by the government in order to improve the lives of people in the United States.

Identify a public problem

If enough people

are concerned, they

take action.

Public problems

often have more than

one solution

Each solution has advantages

and disadvantag

es

The gov’t, community

, and individuals

have to work

together

And Now… Examine the ScenariosEach scenario addresses a specific public policy problem. Determine which category the scenario fits into Develop a policy for the government to follow

that can correct this problem Evaluate your policy’s strengths and weaknesses

in the space provided.

# Scenario Policy Issue Proposed Solution Benefits and Disadvantages?

1Unexcused absences from school are a huge problem in Baltimore City. What is something that the city government can do to fix this issue?

Urban Renewal Environmental Education Transportation Health &

Welfare

Benefit

Disadvantage

2

Nearly 40,000 people commute into Baltimore City from the northern suburbs of Towson, Perry Hall, and White Marsh. What is something that the city can do to reduce the number of vehicles on the road?

Urban Renewal Environmental Education Transportation Health &

Welfare

Benefit

Disadvantage

3

Americans with low incomes usually have to go to the emergency room when they get sick because they cannot afford a regular checkup. How can we provide better care for these families?

Urban Renewal Environmental Education Transportation Health &

Welfare

Benefit

Disadvantage

# Scenario Policy Issue Proposed Solution Benefits and Disadvantages?

4

The standards for gaining a high school degree are different from state to state. This means that a student in Maryland doesn’t get the same education as a student in New York… or Alaska. How can we ensure an equal education for all students?

Urban Renewal Environmental Education Transportation Health &

Welfare

Benefit

Disadvantage

5

Across from AFSIVA, on Gilmor St., are four abandoned homes in a row. When these buildings are left vacant, they can lower the value of neighboring properties. How can the city of Baltimore combat this blight?

Urban Renewal Environmental Education Transportation Health &

Welfare

Benefit

Disadvantage

6Americans get more than 25% of their energy from burning coal, which releases a great deal of pollution. What could be an alternative to this?

Urban Renewal Environmental Education Transportation Health &

Welfare

Benefit

Disadvantage