Remember to respond to each of the 6 topic/questions individually and must list any and all references in APA format.

Political Science
Discussion Questions:

1. Examine the efficacy of U.S. welfare programs. What do such programs intend to accomplish? What are some criticisms against them? Be sure to cite specific academic examples, not just ones from your opinion.

2. I'm not sure I can pin global warming on Social Democracy, but if there's room to blame it for Elvis, Adam Sandler or the infield fly rule, then I'm with you! 
Welfare seems to be a creature of democratic regimes...social or otherwise..since we've opened the box on SD, it should be said it has a generous welfare program, but as Jeff alluded to, at a price: taxes.  SDs have some of the highest tax structures in the world.  Taxes and welfare seem to be a toxic combination..welfare perhaps more so...why don't we eliminate it?

3. What's the difference between welfare and entitlements, and which is more costly?

4. Several countries around the world are transitioning to market economies; the most significant of these are China and Russia. What do you think the impact will be on other countries around the world as these two countries become even more significant in the global economy? What are some examples of this impact?

5. So, there seems to be some question as to whether democracy and a healthy economy actually need each other...why do you think democracies argue the opposite?

6. Everyone, just how much involvement should government (democratic or otherwise) have on economics?  Michael mentioned the Great Depression and the US response to it...it should be pointed out that many of the Keynesian features the US adopted had been in place elsewhere for many years.  It could also be mentioned that Adolph Hitler used the same Keynesian policies to rehabilitate Germany...but that's for another time.  The point, though, is that there seems to be consensus here that democracy(which implies choice) is essential for a good economy.  If governments impose barriers to outside competition, in the form of tariffs and duties, has it rendered democracy irrelevant?