8.

9 Public Problems and Issues

Essential Questions:
What

problems tend to reoccur in a society? Who should play a role in solving the recurring problems of society? How should a nation decide which problems to focus time, energy, and resources?

Public Problems/Issues

Under employment Unemployment Education needs Baby Boomers Economic cycles Taxation Citizen apathy Security Crime Disease Graying population Poverty

New Immigration Law and order Substance Abuse Prison Reform Racism/Discrimination Waste Disposal Homelessness Acid Rain/Greenhouse Effect Natural Disasters Pollution Graft and corruption

Public Issues and Problems

Public issues and problems affect society as a whole. An individual problem is something that you can handle privately. Public issues affect everyone. How to best meet the nations education needs is a public issue. Widespread substance abuse, or the inappropriate use of drugs and alcohol, is a public problem. Often public issues also are public problems. Both government and individuals have the responsibility to deal with public issues and problems.

Economic Problems

Taxation is the main way the federal government raises the money it spends. Economic cycles, or changes in the strength and weaknesses of the economy, can cause public problems. For example, during slow economic times, unemployment (joblessness) and underemployment (working in jobs for which you are overqualified) rise.

Poverty and Crime

Another economic issue is poverty. Poverty is an economical situation where a persons income or resources do not meet their needs. One reason poverty is a public problem is that it can lead to crime. Crime makes law and order both a public issue and problem. At stake is our security, or general safety.

Changes in the Population

Public issues and problems can come from changes in the population. The retirement of the baby boomers, or people born after World War II and before 1964, will increase spending on Social Security, for example. Another public issue is Americas graying population, or ageing population.

The Long List of Public Issues and Problems

Homelessness and natural disasters are on the list. New immigration is a public issue and can become a public problem if it is not properly controlled. For example, many countries monitor the health of immigrants. They can bring new diseases into the country. In addition, immigration may aggravate the continuing problems of racism and discrimination in America.

Environmental Problems

The following environmental problems are public issues and problems as well:
Waste disposal of dangerous materials such as radioactive waste. The greenhouse effect, or the heating of the Earths atmosphere due to increased industrial production. Acid rain is also a problem, or rain that has become acidic from pollution.

The Quality of Government

The quality of government depends on the quality of the people running it. Public officials involved in graft and corruption (or using a political office and power for illegal gain) are subject to prosecution and dismissal from office.

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is a prime example of political corruption.

The Prison System

One measure against crime is incarceration. Citizen activists and politicians sometimes call for prison reform when they learn that a prison system is not treating prisoners decently or trying to rehabilitate them.

Conflict in Democracy

Conflicts are a major part of the democratic process. Everyone does not agree about all public issues and problems. All citizens should take part and be involved in this democratic process. Citizen apathy, or a lack of interest in civic and political life, contradicts your FREEDOMS in a democracy.

Dont be a sheep, take an active role in your government!