The Federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour (that's $13,920 a year without taxes). In California, the minimum wage is $11.00 ( $21,120 annually without taxes). According to the U.S. Census, a family of four requires $25,100 annual income to meet the top end of the poverty line.

What are the root causes of poverty and what steps can be taken to reduce the poverty rate in the U.S.? Remember to cite your sources.

Discussion Questions are designed to give you an opportunity to demonstrate your critical thinking and analytical skills. There is no one correct response to any of these questions. But, there are many incorrect responses.

I am NOT looking for your opinion. Make your case, or argument, or whatever the DQ calls for, in a logical and scholarly way. Develop critical analysis rather than descriptions. I want you to support your statements with text book references and outside sources when applicable.

After you compose and submit your response you will have access to other students' responses. Read three or four of them. Then compose comments to one of those students that relate to their response. "I agree with you." will not earn points. Make your comments substantial and meaningful.