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21 Multiple choice questions
Definition 1 of 21
1. Today, a retiree's benefits are based only on the income on which he or she pays Social Security
payroll taxes. Because of this, the maximum Social Security benefit that even the wealthiest
American can receive is just over $30,000 a year. If millionaires pay Social Security taxes on all of
their salary income, the maximum annual benefit payment could reach over $150,000 a year. This
development would not bankrupt the program, but it would change its nature. Social Security was
not intended to provide such large benefits.
2. It breaks the link between earnings and benefits. So far, a retiree's Social Security benefits have
always been based on the career earnings on which he or she has paid Social Security taxes.
Dropping that principle would open the door to other substantial changes in Social Security.
Eliminate Payroll Tax Cap (Pro)
Increase Payroll Tax Cap (Against)
Eliminate Payroll Tax Cap (Against)
Eliminate Payroll Tax Cap
, Definition 2 of 21
1. In an era of scarce resources, Social Security cannot afford to continue to pay benefits to every
eligible retiree regardless of what other retirement income they have. One approach to
preserving the program would be to provide monthly benefits only to retirees who have less than
a certain amount of non-Social Security annual income. Those with more income would be
guaranteed that if their circumstances change, they would start to receive their benefits.
2. There are many ways to apply a means test, but all of them preserve scare benefit dollars by
paying them to those who really need the income. And all taxpayers, no matter what their income
level, receive the guarantee that Social Security will be there for them if needed.
Begin Means-Testing Social Security Benefits
Begin Means-Testing Social Security Benefits (Pro)
Increase Years to Calculate Benefits (Pro)
Begin Means-Testing Social Security Benefits (Against)
Definition 3 of 21
1. Cause a hefty tax increase that will hit middle-income taxpayers while not affecting the rich. It
would especially hurt the self- employed and certain smaller business owners.
2. In general, increasing taxes is a bad idea. For one thing, it reduces the amount that Americans
have to spend on their own and their family's food, housing clothes, education, and so on.
Additional taxes that seem like a trivial amount to people in Washington may cause real problems
to normal Americans.
Increase Payroll Tax Cap (Against)
Increase Payroll Tax Rate (Against)
Increase Payroll Tax Cap (Pro)
Increase Payroll Tax Rate (Pro)
21 Multiple choice questions
Definition 1 of 21
1. Today, a retiree's benefits are based only on the income on which he or she pays Social Security
payroll taxes. Because of this, the maximum Social Security benefit that even the wealthiest
American can receive is just over $30,000 a year. If millionaires pay Social Security taxes on all of
their salary income, the maximum annual benefit payment could reach over $150,000 a year. This
development would not bankrupt the program, but it would change its nature. Social Security was
not intended to provide such large benefits.
2. It breaks the link between earnings and benefits. So far, a retiree's Social Security benefits have
always been based on the career earnings on which he or she has paid Social Security taxes.
Dropping that principle would open the door to other substantial changes in Social Security.
Eliminate Payroll Tax Cap (Pro)
Increase Payroll Tax Cap (Against)
Eliminate Payroll Tax Cap (Against)
Eliminate Payroll Tax Cap
, Definition 2 of 21
1. In an era of scarce resources, Social Security cannot afford to continue to pay benefits to every
eligible retiree regardless of what other retirement income they have. One approach to
preserving the program would be to provide monthly benefits only to retirees who have less than
a certain amount of non-Social Security annual income. Those with more income would be
guaranteed that if their circumstances change, they would start to receive their benefits.
2. There are many ways to apply a means test, but all of them preserve scare benefit dollars by
paying them to those who really need the income. And all taxpayers, no matter what their income
level, receive the guarantee that Social Security will be there for them if needed.
Begin Means-Testing Social Security Benefits
Begin Means-Testing Social Security Benefits (Pro)
Increase Years to Calculate Benefits (Pro)
Begin Means-Testing Social Security Benefits (Against)
Definition 3 of 21
1. Cause a hefty tax increase that will hit middle-income taxpayers while not affecting the rich. It
would especially hurt the self- employed and certain smaller business owners.
2. In general, increasing taxes is a bad idea. For one thing, it reduces the amount that Americans
have to spend on their own and their family's food, housing clothes, education, and so on.
Additional taxes that seem like a trivial amount to people in Washington may cause real problems
to normal Americans.
Increase Payroll Tax Cap (Against)
Increase Payroll Tax Rate (Against)
Increase Payroll Tax Cap (Pro)
Increase Payroll Tax Rate (Pro)
