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Compared to countries in europe, the united states government’s social safety net tends to be which of the following?

A. More extensive
B. Less extensive
C. Comparable
D. Nonexistent

2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

The United States social safety net is less extensive than those of many European countries, relying more on private solutions and offering a narrower scope of government-funded social services. The correct option is B. less extensive.

Step-by-step explanation:

Compared to countries in Europe, the United States government’s social safety net tends to be less extensive. While European nations often provide comprehensive welfare benefits, including national medical insurance, the United States places more emphasis on private insurance and personal responsibility.

American social programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid do offer important protections, but they are generally not as all-encompassing as those found in many European countries, which may cover a wider range of services with fewer restrictions on eligibility.

User Disfated
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Final answer:

The United States government's social safety net is less extensive than that of many European countries, with Americans typically relying more on private sources and employment for economic security.

Step-by-step explanation:

Compared to countries in Europe, the United States government's social safety net tends to be B. Less extensive:

European countries, especially those in Scandinavia, are known for their comprehensive social services, including national medical insurance and robust welfare benefits. For instance, countries like Sweden offer extensive cradle-to-grave human services programs, providing a level of economic security that is much broader than that in the United States. In contrast, Americans often rely more on employment and private sources, such as insurance policies, and there is more of a focus on the principle of limited government involvement.

Despite having social support programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and various welfare programs like TANF and SNAP, the US tends to offer a more conservative level of support compared to many European nations. Moreover, discussions on the role of government in the US reflect a persistent debate over the merits of a comprehensive social safety net versus the promotion of individual responsibility.

User WarSame
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