The Social Security System Is Currently Generating Tax Revenues That

question 446

Multiple Choice

The Social Security system is currently generating tax revenues that exceed the benefits paid to recipients. This surplus is

• A) being invested in foreign bonds, which will provide Americans with a source of income when the baby boom generation retires.
• B) being invested in government bonds, which will require an increase in general tax revenues when the bonds come due.
• C) separated from other government revenue so politicians will not spend the money during the current period.
• D) being channeled into earmarked private savings accounts.

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Definitions:

Equilibrium Quantity

The quantity at which the intentions of buyers and sellers in a particular market match at a particular price such that the quantity demanded and the quantity supplied are equal; the profit-maximizing output of a firm.

Flat-Rate State Income Tax

A tax system where a single tax rate is applied to all income levels, making the tax amount proportionate to income without progressive scaling.

General Sales Tax

A tax applied uniformly on most goods and services purchased by consumers within a jurisdiction.

Progressive Federal Income Tax

A tax system where the tax rate increases as the taxable amount (income) increases, applied at the federal level.