Explain the recent controversy over Social Security. What are the major problems facing Social Security? What are the current politics behind the issue? If Social Security needs to be fixed, what is the best way to reform it? If Social Security does not need to be fixed, why do you believe this is the case?

What will be an ideal response?

The biggest problems facing Social Security are that people are living longer and, thus, are receiving more benefits than they contributed, and soon more people will be collecting Social Security than will be paying into the system. When discussing the politics behind the issue, students should mention President George W. Bush’s proposal to save Social Security and why he had so much difficulty getting support for his proposal. The last part of the question is analytical. Students should raise at least a few of the possible reforms discussed in the textbook and make a clear argument for which is best.