The Nanny State

Definition
The Nanny State is an overprotective government that tries to give a lot of advice or makes a lot of laws about how people should live their lives.

New Words
1. hot and bothered　　　　　→　　　　　    frustrated/sexually excited

2. fought tooth-and-nail　　　　　→　　　　　fought very hard

3. petition　　　　　→　　　　            　A written document signed by people asking for change

4. feat　　　　　→　　　                　　achievement

5. eye opening　　　　　→　　　　         　amazing

6. federally mandated　　　　　→　　　　  　controlled by the state

7. violate　　　　　→　　　　             　interfere with

8. paternalistic　　　　　→　　　　       　overprotective

9. autonomy　　　　　→　　　　            　freedom

10. prophylactics　　　　　→　　　　      　condoms

11. blood-borne pathogens　　　　　→　　　 　a bacteria/virus that travel through the blood

12. Libertarianism

...the idea we should be free from interference from the government,

and be able to make our own decisions.

13. Statism

...Business and social policy (laws) should be closely controlled and regulated by the state.

Finland Example
Finland was the EU’s number one nanny state in 2016. It has a range of food and drink taxes, an effective ban on e-cigarette sales and extremely high taxes on beer, wine and spirits.

Alcohol prohibition ended in Finland in 1932 but the government continues to regulate alcohol very heavily. Spirits advertising is banned in all forms and restrictions on beer and wine advertising are severe, with a ban before 10pm on television and a near total outdoor ban. It has the EU’s highest beer tax, the second highest spirits tax, and the third highest wine duty. Discount promotions such as happy hours are banned outright.

Tobacco regulation is also heavy. In addition to a total ban on tobacco advertising, cigarettes cannot be sold from vending machines. There are few exemptions from its smoking ban which includes some outdoor areas.