Political Science

 
Week 6 Discussion 1: Presidential Advisor
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Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

Textbook: Review Chapter 2, 3 (pp. 56-59), 13
Lesson
Additional scholarly sources you identify through your own research

Initial Post Instructions
You are an advisor to the President tasked with cutting at least $300 billion from the budget. The president wants your recommendations to cut lines, not large categories. Explain why you chose those cuts.

Note: These are not true US budget numbers.
DOMESTIC PROGRAMS AND FOREIGN AID
Cut some foreign aid to African countries
 $17 billion
Eliminate farm subsidies
 $14 billion
Cut pay of civilian federal workers by 5 percent
 $14 billion
Reduce the overall federal workforce by 10%
 $12 billion
Cut aid to states by 5%
 $29 billion
MILITARY
Cut the number of nuclear warheads, and end the “Star Wars” missile defense program
 $19 billion
Reduce military to pre-Iraq War size and further reduce troops in Asia and Europe
 $25 billion
Cancel or delay some weapons programs
 $19 billion
HEALTHCARE
Enact medical malpractice reform by reducing the chances of large malpractice verdicts
 $ 8 billion
Increase the Medicare eligibility age to 68
 $ 8 billion
Raise the Social Security retirement age to 68.
 $ 13 billion
EXISTING TAXES
Return the estate tax to Clinton-era levels, passing on an estate worth more than $1 million to their heirs would have portions of those estates taxed.
 $ 50 billion
End tax cuts for income above $250,000 a year
 $ 54 billion
End tax cuts for income below $250,000 a year
 $ 172 billion
Payroll tax increase for people making over $106,000 annually contributing more to Social Security and Medicare.
 $ 50 billion
NEW TAXES
Institute a Millionaire’s tax on income above $1 million
 $ 50 billion
Add a national 5% sales tax
 $ 41 billion
Add a tax on carbon emissions
 $ 40 billion
Tax banks based on their sizes and the amount of risk they take.
 $ 73 billion
Total gap covered by your budget plan
$_________________
Use evidence (cite sources) to support your response from assigned readings or online lessons, and at least one outside scholarly source.
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification. Minimum of 1 scholarly source, which can include your textbook or assigned readings or may be from your additional scholarly research.
Writing Requirements

Minimum of 3 posts (1 initial & 2 follow-up)
APA format for in-text citations and list of references