Describe the differences between contributory programs,noncontributory programs and tax expenditures and provide an example of each.Which programs are the most generous to which Americans and why?

There are two components to this question.
a.Contributory programs,noncontributory programs,and tax expenditures: Contributory programs are social programs financed in whole or in part by taxation or other mandatory contributions by their present or future recipients.Social Security,Medicare,and unemployment insurance are examples of contributory programs.Noncontributory programs are social programs that provide assistance to people on the basis of demonstrated need rather than any contribution they have made.Medicaid,Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF),and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)are examples of noncontributory programs.Tax expenditures are subsidies in the tax code that help achieve social goals.The tax expenditure system includes benefits that employers may offer to their workers,such as medical insurance and retirement plans,as well as tax breaks that individuals can file for when they prepare their federal tax returns (such as out-of-pocket medical expenses,child care,charitable contributions,and home mortgage interest).The federal government subsidizes such benefits by not taxing the payments that employers and employees make for health insurance and pensions.
b.Generosity of programs: The most generous programs are those in which the beneficiaries are widely perceived as deserving of assistance and also are politically powerful.Because Americans prize work,constituencies who have "earned" their benefits in some way or those who cannot work because of a disability are usually seen as most deserving of government assistance.Politically powerful constituencies are those who vote as a group,lobby effectively,and mobilize to protect the programs from which they benefit.As a result,contributory programs serving the elderly are typically more generous.