Week Three - Healthcare & Education

A landmark federal law passed in 2010 designed to increase health insurance coverage, control healthcare costs, and prohibit insurers from denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

A joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals. Whether or not to expand Medicaid eligibility is a frequent debate at the state level during midterms.

A joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals. Whether or not to expand Medicaid eligibility is a frequent debate at the state level during midterms.

A federal health insurance program primarily for Americans aged 65 and older. Candidates frequently campaign on protecting or expanding these benefits to appeal to older voters.

A healthcare system in which a single public agency, usually the government, organizes and pays for healthcare, though the actual delivery of care remains private.

A body of elected or appointed officials who set local education policies, hire superintendents, and approve school budgets. They are a primary example of local democracy in action.

The federal cabinet-level agency responsible for administering federal education funding, enforcing civil rights laws in schools, and collecting data on U.S. education.

The division of power between federal, state, and local governments. Under the U.S. Constitution, education is primarily a state responsibility, creating variations in school policies across different states.

A landmark federal civil rights law passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives federal money.

A federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education tailored to their individual needs.

A federally assisted meal program operating in public schools. The percentage of students qualifying for FRPL is frequently used by researchers and policymakers as a measure of a school's poverty level.

A publicly funded school that operates independently of the local school board under a specific charter or contract. Charter schools have more flexibility over curriculum but must meet performance standards.

A government-funded certificate that allows parents to use public tax dollars to pay for tuition at a private or religious school instead of their local public school.

Exams administered to large groups of students under consistent conditions to measure academic performance. State-mandated testing is heavily debated during local and state political campaigns.