Agenda
A set of issues to be discussed or given attention.
Agenda Setting
The constant process of forming the list of issues to be addressed by government.
Entitlement Program
Income security program to which all those meeting eligibility criteria are entitled.
Governmental (Institutional) Agenda
The changing list of issues to which governments believe they should address themselves.
Means-tested Program
Income security program intended to assist those whose incomes fall below a designated level.
Medicaid
An expansion of Medicare, this program subsidizes medical care for the poor.
Medicare
The federal program established in the Lyndon B. Johnson administration that provides medical care to elderly Social Security recipients.
Non-means-based Program
Program such as Social Security where benefits are provided irrespective of the income or means of recipients.
Policy Adoption
The approval of a policy proposal by the people with the requisite authority, such as legislature.
Policy Evaluation
The process of determining whether a course of action is achieving its intended goals.
Policy Formulation
The crafting of appropriate and acceptable proposed courses of action to ameliorate or resolve public problems.
Policy Implementation
The process of carrying out public policy through governmental agencies and the courts.
Public Policy
An intentional course of action followed by government in dealing with some problem or matter of concern.
Social Security Act
A 1935 law that established old-age insurance (Social Security) and assistance for the needy, children, and others, and unemployment insurance.
Social Welfare Policy
Government programs designed to improve quality of life.
Systemic Agenda
All public issues that are viewed as requiring governmental attention; a discussion agenda.