We're Number 1

*The OECD, or the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, was founded in 1948 and is made up of 36 member countries. It seeks to improve the economic and social well-being of countries and their populations. The OECD looks at issues that impact people’s everyday lives and proposes policies that can help to improve the quality of life.

Critical Analysis

  1. According to the data from the chart above, what was the poverty rate in the U.S. in 2016?

  2. According to the data from the chart above, how does the poverty rate in the U.S. Compare with other OECD* (wealthy) countries?

  3. Based on what you know about American history, politics, and political ideology, why do you think America’s poverty rate is the highest of the wealthy world?

  4. Describe one method the U.S. president can use to make policy about poverty and one method the U.S. Congress can use to make policy about poverty.

  5. Imagine that you were an interest group whose goal was to lower poverty. Describe two methods you might use to try to achieve your goals.

  6. The Pew Research Center has found that among Americans in families making less than $10,000 (the lowest income group they studied), 24.5 percent voted. We also know that voting rates go up with income levels — the highest-income group, people in families making $150,000 or more, also had the highest turnout, at 56.6 percent. Why do you think increased income leads to increased voter turnout?*

  7. The Preamble of the United States Constitution states, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence (their spelling not mine!), promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Based on the poverty statistics above, does our government succeed at promoting the general welfare?

  8. If you could wave a magic wand and make the U.S. poverty rate (17.8% of all people) similar to that of Finland (5.8%), what would be a consequence of this change?

  9. A student named Ichabod, upon analyzing the data from the chart above said, “America is the land of opportunity. If you are poor in America it’s your own darned fault.” Respond to Ichabod’s claim.

  10. What claim would the following people make about the American poverty rate?

  • Typical American Conservative

  • Typical American Liberal

  • Typical American Libertarian

  • Typical American Socialist

  • Felicity Huffman

  • Typical American Democrat

  • Typical American Republican

  • The Current American President

Learning Extension

Check out all this cool Pew Research Center visual data on U.S. poverty and politics.

Action Extension

Ask three other people (in person) to predict how American poverty compares with the rich world. Then share the answer with them. Share their reaction on line or in class.

Visual Extension*

Government Resources Archive
$15.00
Every month
$150.00
Every year

Our searchable archive of over 1000 lessons to build U.S. government and politics content knowledge and skills. Cancel at any time. Use promo code SIGNMEUP at checkout to get the first month of our monthly subscription for free!


✓ Free For Thirty Days. Cancel At Any Time
✓ Searchable archive of over 1000 U.S. government lessons
✓ Action-oriented, student-centered learning
High Five AP Government & Politics Exam Review Completely Updated for 2024
$15.00

Prepare for the 2024 AP® US Government Exam with High Five! Our Exam Review guide is completely redesigned and updated with over 140 pages of great AP Exam review material. Tons of completed graphic organizers are full of information to get you exam-ready in a flash.

This 2024 exam guide is an instant download and contains all the following resources.

  • Overview of the U.S. Government and Politics exam. 

  • Completed graphic organizers for all required documents + Supreme Court cases. 

  • Guide to the skills and content for all 5 course units. 

  • Essential vocabulary with link to online glossary.

  • Tons of Graphic Organizers with answers from each course unit.

  • GoPo Pro Tips.

  • Exam review Guides.

  • Full Length AP multiple choice + Free Response Exam with Key.

AP ® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site or product.

GoPoPro does not offer credit or grades for our classes or products.

BUY NOW
Student AP Government Exam Prep Portal
Free

Get AP exam-ready with diagnostic tests, online review games, test review sheets, practice quizzes, full-length practice exam, and self-guided writing workshops. We'll make studying a breeze.


✓ Fun Review Games!
✓ Practice online tests with instant scoring + explanations
✓ Photographs of my beloved pet Beagle Roger!
Previous
Previous

In Media We Trust?

Next
Next

Where do you get your news?