Question

1. which of the following features of this diagram would be most worrisome to those planning for the future of entitlement programs such as social security and medicare?

a. the total number of people represented by the orange bars on the left
b. the small number of orange bars at the top of the left side of the pyramid
c. the total number of people represented by the right side of the pyramid
d. the tower - like shape of the pyramid on the right

1. which of the following best summarizes what this cartoon implies about the federal government?

a. it behaves deceptively and dishonestly with taxpayers.
b. it is skilled at persuading americans to pay their taxes.
c. it faces sharp pressure to reduce the size of the budget.
d. it spends huge amounts of taxpayer money but always seems to need more.
put all answers in the lefthand blank, using capital letters (dont circle or underline). not doing so will get it marked

Explanation:

For question 34:

• In population pyramids, a tower - like shape (column - like) on the right (representing 2035) indicates an aging population. With Social Security and Medicare being entitlement programs for the elderly, a larger elderly population (implied by the tower - like shape which suggests a relatively larger proportion of older age groups compared to a more triangular, younger - dominated pyramid) means more people relying on these programs. Fewer workers per beneficiary (as shown in the diagram, 3.2 workers per beneficiary in 1980 vs 2.1 in 2035) also ties into the concern. The tower - like shape is a visual representation of the demographic shift that would strain these entitlement programs.
• Option A: Just the total number of people in the 1980 orange bars (which likely represent a younger population) is not as concerning for future entitlement planning as the demographic shift.
• Option B: The small number of orange bars at the top (elderly in 1980) is less relevant than the future projection.
• Option C: The total number on the right side (2035) without considering the shape (which indicates age distribution) is not the most concerning feature.

For question 35:

• The cartoon shows a large "Federal Spending" structure and a person saying "We need a little more money...". This implies that despite already having a significant amount of spending (represented by the large structure), there is a continuous need for more money.
• Option A: There is no indication of deception or dishonesty in the cartoon.
• Option B: The cartoon is not about persuading to pay taxes but about spending and needing more money.
• Option C: There is no indication of pressure to reduce the budget; instead, it's about needing more money.

Answer:

1. D
2. D