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The Elizabethan Poor Laws (EPL) were created in 1601 by the English Parliament. These laws were created to help provide relief to the poor population of England; the parliament feared that, without relief, the poor may turn to crime or revolutionize. Under these laws, impoverished people were divided into four groups: impotent poor (sick or disabled), able-bodied poor (able to work), idle poor (able to work but refuse to), and poor children. Some groups received more aid than others, for example, able-bodied poor received a small amount of money to help them survive, whereas poor children were often trained for jobs instead of receiving any financial relief. However, some of the EPL's policies are still seen today in the United States. For example, the food stamp program is very similar to the EPL. The food stamp program was originally created to help provide relief to the under-privileged during the Great Depression. People also had to prove that they were "worthy" or in need of food stamps. Therefore, some of the EPL's policies still remain today.

Elizabethan Poor Laws - English History

How Did Food Stamps Begin? A Brief History And Evolution Of The Program - Esquilo.io

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Dorothea Dix was a humanitarian who advocated heavily for the fair treatment of individuals with mental health disorders. She even advocated and got a bill passed by the House and Senate that would provide housing for the mentally unstable/disabled on federal public land that was not being used. However, this bill was vetoed by President Pierce. Pierce believed that if the federal government assumed responsibility for the indigent "insane" (Welfare History Project, 2014) that the government would then have to assume responsibility for all poverty-stricken and destitute Americans. The rejection of Dorothea Dix's bill was important, as it brought attention to the debate of how involved the government should be in the lives of its people. Instead, Pierce left this responsibility up to the States. With that said, Dorothea Dix was a pioneer for mental health advocacy, and although her bill was rejected, it started an important conversation within the United States.

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “Dorothea Dix | American Social Reformer.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2019, www.britannica.com/biography/Dorothea-Dix.

‌Warder, Graham. “Franklin Pierce’s 1854 Veto.” Social Welfare History Project, 10 Feb. 2014, socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/issues/franklin-pierces-1854-veto/.

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The Workers' Compensation Laws are a set of laws put in place to protect workers on the jobsite. This was first established in Germany in 1884, but the United States later adopted it in 1911 (Schmerling, 2024). However, it took until 1948 for the law to be adopted in all 48 (at the time) states. Furthermore, Workers Compensation Laws were developed and put into place due to workers getting injured or sick on the job; if they were sick, they would receive no compensation for having to take time off, and if they were injured, they often times had to go to court to receive compensation. However, it was rare that the injured worker(s) actually got compensation due to the loopholes/laws that companies would use to avoid being at fault (The Hartford, n.d). When Workers Compensation was finally adopted by all states in the U.S, it protected a lot of workers and gave them a right to just compensation if they were injured on the job or had to take time off due to being sick. Additionally, it also provides disability pay, covers costs for educational retraining, etc. although these were adopted later.

Schmerling, Josh. “A Brief History of Workers’ Compensation Laws.” Zirkin and Schmerling Law, 3 July 2024, www.zirkinandschmerlinglaw.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-workers-compensation-laws/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

“Workers’ Compensation History | History of Workers’ Compensation.” The Hartford, www.thehartford.com/workers-compensation/history.

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The Immigration Restriction Legislation was an act that was passed in 1924 by President Coolidge. Also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, this legislation put a limit to the number of immigrants that could enter the country via the national origins quota (Office of the Historian, 2019). Additionally, this act excluded immigrants from Asia, completely barring them from the country. This created tensions between Japan and the U.S, due to the legislation directly violating the Gentlemen's Agreement (Office of the Historian, 2019). The main purpose of this legislation was to preserve U.S homogeneity (one or more people share similar ideals/beliefs and mainly of same racial descent).

Office of the Historian. “The Immigration Act of 1924 (the Johnson-Reed Act).” History.state.gov, 2019, history.state.gov/milestones/1921-1936/immigration-act.

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Unemployment Insurance (UI) was instated in 1935 under President FDR when he signed the Social Security Act, which was a part of his New Deal program (Social Welfare History Project, 2011). UI was created in order to provide relief for recently unemployed persons; however, the individual had to be employable and unemployed through no fault of their own. This was especially predominant during the Great Depression, as many people were let go from their jobs and struggling financially as a result. Today, UI still provides relief for many struggling individuals, especially since the economy webs and flows and people may end up getting laid off due to unforeseen circumstances. UI is now implemented in all 50 states.

“Social Security: Unemployment Insurance.” Social Welfare History Project, 19 Jan. 2011, socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/social-security/social-security-unemployment-insurance/.

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The Social Security Act was signed into law on August 14, 1935, as apart of FDR's New Deal (Social Security History, 2019). The Social Security Act provides a myriad of benefits to individuals, especially those who may be part of a vulnerable population. This is due to the fact that the act was established during the Great Depression, wherein many Americans were a part of a vulnerable population/experiencing poverty. There are many small acts contained within the Social Security Act that are aimed towards promoting the welfare of the people. For example, there is Unemployment Insurance, which provides insurance for the unemployed. Additionally, there is old-age assistance for people 65 years or older, maternal and child health services, etc. The Social Security Act is a very important staple of today's society and helps those in need who may require an additional helping hand.

Social Security Administration. “Social Security History.” Ssa.gov, 2019, www.ssa.gov/history/50ed.html.

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The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was also enacted in 1935 under FDR's New Deal. The WPA was created to help increase the amount of jobs and/or job opportunities available. Due to the Great Depression that was happening in the 1930s, a vast number of Americans in the United States were facing poverty and unemployment. The WPA created a wide variety of jobs (infrastructure, manufacturing, etc.) in order to boost the economy and citizen morale. Over the course of its run from 1935-1943, the WPA created 8.5 billion jobs for American citizens (Britannica, 2018). By providing these jobs, a number of roads, bridges, parks, and other areas were constructed due to the jump in employment. The WPA was terminated in 1943 due to WW2 and the economy shifting into a war economy (Investopedia, 2024).

Works Progress Administration (WPA): What It Was and Jobs Created

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Works Progress Administration | Definition & History.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 28 Feb. 2018, www.britannica.com/topic/Works-Progress-Administration.

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The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) was enacted in 1938 as a response to public outcry about unfair labor practices and working hours. For example, before 1938, companies could work employees 14+ hours a day, 7 day a week. Additionally, a myriad of companies employed children because it was cheaper and/or free since they were not obligated to pay them. This exploited homeless children especially, and if they got injured on the job, they would not be compensated and would simply be terminated. However, due to the great depression happening from 1929-1939, FDR's main goal was to provide opportunities of employment for the people (Ashburn, 2025). Thus, he enacted the FLSA which established fair wages, a 40-hour work week, and abolished child labor. Still, just as Abraham Lincoln did not abolish slavery entirely for the slaves, FDR did not abolish child labor only for the children. Mainly, he did it to get children out of jobs/factories to put adults in there to boost employment.

Ashburn, Nancy. “Fair Labor Standards Act Definition | Britannica Money.” Www.britannica.com, www.britannica.com/money/Fair-Labor-Standards-Act.

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Japanese/Japanese American Internment happened from 1942-1946. This happened as a result of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and WW2. The attack on Pearl Harbor created intense anti-Japanese paranoia within the United States. U.S citizens feared that Japanese Americans remained loyal to their home country. President Roosevelt caved under pressure and signed an executive order to relocate all Japanese Americans to concentration (aka internment) camps (Ushistory.org, 2019). Most of those imprisoned were Japanese Americans who had never even been to Japan, but this did not matter to fear-stricken Americans. Fred Komatsu challenged this order, but the courts repealed it due to it being a "wartime necessity." Many Japanese Americans sold their properties, businesses, homes, and other belongings because they did not know when or if they would return. Subsequently, when the act was repealed in 1946, many Japanese Americans found that they could not return to their hometowns. Additionally, Japanese Americans faced racism and stigmatizations after being released, similar to the Irish in the 1850s.

Ushistory.org. “Japanese-American Internment [Ushistory.org].” Ushistory.org, 2019, www.ushistory.org/us/51e.asp.

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Servicemen's Readjustment Act (G.I. Bill)

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Servicemen's Readjustment Act (G.I. Bill)

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The Servicemen's Readjustment Act was established in 1944. It aimed to provide financial and social assistance to veterans returning from WW2. It provided veterans with benefits that helped them reintegrate into society, such as business loans, mortgages, education grants, etc. Veterans had a hard time returning to society after war ended, they often ended up homeless, were not congratulated/celebrated, and demeaned by society. Veterans often protested this, such as the Bonus Army protest in 1932, which might have inspired FDR to later implement the G.I. Bill. Overall, the G.I Bill substantially helped veterans and the economy. Veterans would use their G.I Bill benefits to go to college and pursue a better education, which eventually led to more experienced and educated people within the workforce and potentially higher pay.

FinanceFacts101. “The Evolution and Impact of the GI Bill: From WWII to Present Day - FinanceFacts101.” FinanceFacts101, 7 Nov. 2024, financefacts101.com/the-evolution-and-impact-of-the-gi-bill-from-wwii-to-present-day/.

https://www.facebook.com/thoughtcodotcom. “When the Bonus Army of 17,000 US Veterans Marched on Washington, D.C.” ThoughtCo, 2019, www.thoughtco.com/bonus-army-march-4147568.

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The Head Start program was created to provide help to parents with infants who may be financially struggling. Specifically, it provides free, federally funded early childhood education and childcare services. The services Head Start provides is very beneficial to impoverished families, as they may be struggling to balance a job and providing adequate care to their children/child. They may not have enough time or money to provide their child with the proper nutrition and care they need. However, the Head Start program alleviates some of the pressure by providing them with a free education and helping to develop their fine motor skills, as these things are very important to develop in infancy. If they are not learned during infancy, it may be harder for children to master them later. Thus, the Head Start program helps struggling families with infants and ensures these children are hitting all their developmental milestones.

ChildCare.gov. “Head Start and Early Head Start.” Childcare.gov, 2019, childcare.gov/consumer-education/head-start-and-early-head-start.

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In 1963, the Community Mental Health Centers Act (CMHA) was instated. The CMHA's goal was to compensate for the growing mental health problem(s) within America. It is important to note that people had been struggling with mental health for decades, but diagnosis and treatment for mental health disorders became more common during the late 50s-60s and our understanding of/treatment of mental health disorders has progressed significantly since then. With that said, the CMHA sought to provide mental health treatment within the community (i.e. hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient facilities). Many people with mental health disorders were institutionalized against their will, and mental health hospitals/institutions struggled to keep up. Additionally, these mental health disorders were often deemed incurable due to the limited amount of knowledge surrounding them. Thus, President Kennedy signed the CMHA to provide mental health services to those that needed them without necessarily institutionalizing them. This furthered the deinstitutionalization movement as well.

“The Community Mental Health Centers Act of 1963.” Ebrary, 2025, ebrary.net/69003/language_literature/community_mental_health_centers_1963#google_vignette.

Mental Health Board. “The Community Mental Health Act of 1963.” LaSalle County 708, Apr. 2023, www.lasallecountymentalhealth.org/post/community-mental-health-act.

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The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a direct result of the Civil Rights protests that took place during the mid 1950s-early 1960s. Civil Rights protests took place because of the mistreatment of Black Americans within the United States. They were often treated as lesser than, and segregation was common place, especially within predominantly white communities. The Civil Rights movement sought social justice and equality for all, not just White Americans. Many human activists/social justice leaders emerged, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X, and many others who advocated for the fair and just treatment of African Americans. This movement ultimately culminated in the Civil Rights Act. This act struggled within Congress and was met with backlash but was passed in 1964. The Civil Rights act put a stop to public segregation and discrimination based upon someone's race, national origin, religion, sex, and color. This was a significant step forward for the United States, as Black Americans could not be denied service or a job simply based upon the color of their skin.

Civil Rights Act of 1964 ‑ Definition, Summary & Significance | HISTORY

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The SNAP program, initially known as the Food Stamps Program, was created in 1939. However, it can be traced back to the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 which helped struggling farmers. This was later expanded on in 1939 by FDR in order to provide food assistance to impoverished individuals. This was another act established during the Great Depression to help American citizens get back on their feet. However, this act ended during 1943 when it was deemed no longer necessary due to economic boom caused by WW2. President Kennedy reintroduced the Food Stamps Program in 1961 which required people to purchase food stamps but got rid of the need for special stamps (bonus stamps received when purchasing food stamps) to receive a surplus of food. Finally, in 1964, the Food Stamps Act was passed officially by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This still required individuals to purchase food stamps. This act was revised multiple times over the years, which culminated in its final revision 2014. Now known as the SNAP Program, low-income individuals no longer had to purchase food stamps, and they could only spend their food stamps on certain edible items. Overall, every iteration of this act sought to address the concern of nutritional deficits in low-income households.

The History of SNAP | Snap To Health

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Medicare was implemented in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson as a part of President Johnson's Social Security Amendments. Medicare was initially created to provide health coverage to Americans 65 and older. However, this was later expanded in the 70's to include people 65 and under with long-term disabilities, and those with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Individuals who qualified could now receive Medicare health coverage, but those with long-term disabilities had to wait longer than those with ESRD. Furthermore, there have been a lot of revisions to Medicare over the years. For example, some significantly notable ones include Medigap (Medicare Supplemental Insurance), and the expansion of home health services. Medigap was created to help cover additional Medicare costs that an individual may not be able to initially pay. Furthermore, the expansion of home health services covered costs associated with in home healthcare. However, the individual has to be homebound, and the healthcare worker has to be provided by someone who is Medicare certified. Additionally, as Medicare is covered by the U.S Treasury, people who receive Medicare health coverage pay a fee to receive these services.

A brief history of Medicare in America | medicareresources.org

What Is Medigap and What Does It Cover?

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Medicaid was signed into law in 1965 by President Johnson. As with Medicare, Medicaid was a part of the Social Security Amendments of 1965. However, Medicaid was aimed towards lower income individuals/families, instead of Americans 65 or older. Furthermore, others could qualify for Medicaid, however, Medicaid eligibility was often determined upon whether someone was receiving assistance from programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Receiving assistance from programs like these was often an indicator that an individual/family may need additional help. Thus, the main goal of Medicaid is to provide affordable/free health insurance to families in need, pregnant women, those with disabilities, children, and older adults. Additionally, it is important to note that the services provided by Medicaid are almost always free as it is funded by the Federal Government; at most a small co-payment may be required.

Full History Of Medicaid In Timeline From 1927 - Popular Timelines

Medicaid: History - US Healthcare - National Policies

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The Older Americans Act (OAA) was passed in 1965 as a part of President Johnson's Social Security Amendments; this may also be known as the Great Society Initiative. The purpose of the OAA is to allow older adults to maintain their sense of dignity and independence. Although they may need assistance, they are not supposed to be demeaned or dehumanized because of that. Instead, the OAA aims to provide elderly individuals with assistance and allow them to remain members of their communities for as long as humanely possible. Some examples of the services the OAA provides is Meals on Wheels/meal delivery to seniors, transportation assistance, in-home assistance, protection from elder abuse, among many others.

The Older Americans Act: What Benefits Does It Provide?

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The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was implemented in 1970 by President Nixon. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is often involved in the processes of NEPA, but it is important to note that they are not the same thing. NEPA's main goal is to protect the environment and promote informed environmental decision-making to prevent environmental harm. Furthermore, agencies are also required to document these analyses and provide them to the public for review. This promotes transparency and discourages shady business operations. NEPA covers a variety of environmental actions, however, some of these include federal land management actions, highway construction, federal land expansion, among many other actions concerning the environment. Overall, NEPA was designed to protect the environment from any unnecessary/all harm.

What is the National Environmental Policy Act? | US EPA

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) was implemented in 1935 under FDR's Social Security Act. The SSA is responsible for administering Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which was not implemented until 1972, although it officially became effective in 1974. SSI provides additional income for older adults and individuals with disabilities who have little income or may not be able to work at all, thus leaving them with no income. Furthermore, the SSI has a maximum payment amount which is distributed each month to individuals who receive SSI. However, some states may offer a state supplement, which is additional money received with SSI. Overall, SSI provides additional income to those who may not be able to make their own income. By providing these individuals with additional income, it helps them meet their basic needs and provides them with the means to afford living necessities.

Social Security History: Organizational History

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): What it Means, How it Works

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The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program was implemented in 1972 as an amendment to the Child Nutrition Act (1966). However, the WIC program was not made permanent until 1975. Over the years, WIC has grown significantly in terms of what it provides to (pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding) women, infants and children. Currently, WIC provides monthly benefits that allow for the purchase of certain, specific foods that are nutritionally beneficial. Some of these foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and importantly, baby formula. Additionally, WIC offers support services to women as well, providing them with nutritional information, etc.

A virtual town hall for SNAP (food stamps) and nutrition in the United States | Snap To Health

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Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

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Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

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The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) was enacted in 1974. It was signed into law by President Nixon. CAPTA nationally defined what constituted as child abuse/neglect whilst providing a general framework by which child abuse is assessed, prevented, and when action is to be taken. There has been heavy criticism of this act, as some may argue it does more harm than good. However, at its core, CAPTA's goal is to protect children from harm and prevent further neglect. Additionally, it also aims to support children who have been victims of neglect. It is important to note that there have been many provisions to CAPTA over the years to improve child abuse prevention and the response to child victims of abuse.

The Evolution Of Capta: A Comprehensive Child Protection Law | LawShun

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The Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) was established in 1974 under President Nixon. The HCDA did a multitude of things, however, its main goal was to support the development of affordable housing, especially in low-income urban areas. Additionally, it sought to not only make housing affordable but improve it; by improving the look and quality of housing, it was hoped that community morale would improve. One of the most important things to come out of the HCDA was the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). The CDBG provides federal funds to local and state governments to fund community development projects mainly within moderate to low-income neighborhoods. This included things like anti-poverty programs, infrastructure improvement, and most notably, affordable housing. Overall, the HCDA's goal is to improve housing for low-income individuals and revitalize neighborhoods.

Community Development Block Grants: Making a Difference in Boston for over 50 Years | Boston.gov

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Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

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Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

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The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDA) was enacted in 1974 under President Nixon. The JJDA's goal was to prevent juveniles and adolescents from getting into trouble with the law. It also sought to improve the treatment of juveniles within the justice system. The JJDA provides funding to the government for programs aimed at discouraging the youth from engaging in delinquent behavior and helping rehabilitate juveniles. The JJDA also advocates for the fair and just treatment of juveniles.

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act - National Center for Learning Disabilities

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Education for All Handicapped Children Act

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Education for All Handicapped Children Act

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The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), now known as the Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) was established in 1975 under President Ford. The goal of IDEA is to provide adequate education for children with disabilities in public education. IDEA provides grants to states that have a special education program(s) that complies with federal guidelines. IDEA also provides individualized education programs (IEP) for children with disabilities. IEPs accommodate a child's specific learning needs regarding their disability. For example, a child with ADHD may need different accommodations compared to that of a neurotypical child. Overall, IDEA advocates for the adequate education of children with disabilities and seeks to provide them with the right learning environment that is best suited to their needs.

Educational Rights for Children With Disabilities | Kaiser Permanente

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The Earned Income Tax Credit Act (EITC) was enacted in 1975 under President Ford. The EITC is a federal tax credit aimed at American workers and families who have mainly moderate to low income. EITC itself is distributed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This program has been expanded and modified throughout the years. For example, in 2021, Self-Only EITC was expanded. Self-Only EITC allows couples and childless workers to qualify. Essentially, the EITC is a tax break that benefits individuals/families/couples after tax season. It provides them with refundable tax credit and may lower the amount of taxes they owe.

A closer look at the Earned Income Tax Credit | Internal Revenue Service

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The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was implemented in 1978 under President Carter. This act was implemented because Native American children were being unfairly removed from their homes so they could "assimilate" into mainstream, white culture. This destroyed many families by pulling them apart and led to unnecessary trauma. Many Native American children felt as if they did not fit in anywhere. They could not be Indigenous, but they could also never be white. This led to them feeling disconnected from any sort of identity and also caused severe mental harm and distress to these children. When these children grew into adolescence, there was an alarming trend of substance abuse, depression, and suicide. This culminated in the ICWA, which sought to protect Native American children from any unnecessary harm, such as being removed from their homes and placed into non-native homes. This act recognizes tribal sovereignty, which means that tribal courts are in the best position to recognize the interest of Indigenous children. Additionally, this act also works to preserve Native American families. This helps Native American families, especially those at risk, to stay together. Moreover, those at risk are provided with social supports. However, in the case that a child does have to be removed, they are to be placed with extended family or a family that keeps them connected to their native culture if there is no extended family.

Understanding The ICWA | Indian Child Welfare Act Law Center

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Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act

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Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act

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The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act (AACWA) was enacted in 1980 under President Carter. The AACWA was designed to fix problems that had been occurring within the foster care system. The main issue was that children who entered the foster care system would stay within it for extended periods of time without finding a permanent home. The AACWA also addressed concerns for special needs children; it provided financial aid to families who adopted dependent children (AFDC) and ensured that special needs children would go to a home that could accommodate their needs. Overall, the AACWA was implemented to protect children and ensure that they are adopted within a timely manner. However, it is important to note that the AACWA also encourages family preservation and aims to help families who may be struggling to keep them together.

Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 - P.L. 96-272 | Child Welfare Information Gateway

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The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was implemented in 1987 under President Reagan. The McKinney-Vento Act was implemented to address the needs of the homeless population, although it focused primarily on children. To elaborate, it focused on supporting the education of homeless children. It gave homeless children the right to enroll and attend school, even without records or a permanent residence. Schools must also provide sufficient support services to the student(s). Additionally, the Mckinney-Vento Act also assisted homeless families, as it provided funding for homeless shelters and helped them to find stable housing. Furthermore, it provided funding to state schools under Title I. Overall, the Mckinney-Vento Act seeks to protect homeless children from the disadvantages of homelessness, and instead give them a leg up and allow them to receive a fair education.

Federal Education for Homeless Children and Youths (EHCY) Program Profile

McKinney-Vento Act: Homeless Assistance

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The Anti-Drug Abuse Act was implemented in 1986 under President Reagan. Its purpose was to discourage drug use within America by enforcing harsh punishments for those caught with drugs in their possession. Along with this act, former first lady Nancy Reagan started her "Just Say No" campaign. It aimed to encourage youth and adolescents to avoid recreational substances and to "just say no". It encouraged them to avoid drugs and not fall victim to peer pressure, although this was and is easier said than done. However, the Anti-Drug Abuse act was controversial in how it implemented its policies. For example, it focused more on punishment than prevention. If someone was caught with drugs, even if they were not dealing them, they would be harshly sentenced. Additionally, this also co-occurred with racial disparities, as many African Americans and minorities were being imprisoned for crack cocaine. There were harsher sentences for those caught with crack cocaine, although whether pure or crack, both are harmful. This also harmed low-income communities, as crack cocaine was cheaper. Usually, upper class individuals would be doing cocaine, whereas crack cocaine was found more in low-income areas. Overall, the Anti-Drug Abuse act sought to crack down on the drug problem in America by implementing serious punishments. However, it is up to debate whether this was actually effectively implemented or not.

Criminal justice | Academic Discipline, Law & Reform | Britannica

ACLU Releases Crack Cocaine Report, Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 Deepened Racial Inequity in Sentencing | American Civil Liberties Union

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The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was implemented in 1990 under President Bush. The ADA is a civil rights law which prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities. Furthermore, it made a myriad of things more accessible to those with disabilities. For example, schools and other public infrastructures now have ramps available for wheelchair users, there is tactile paving at pedestrian crossings for blind individuals, and many other changes. It also gave individuals with disabilities fair employment opportunities and made it illegal to discriminate against somebody on the basis of their disability. Overall, the ADA aimed to give people with disabilities just as much of an advantage in society as anybody else and promoted equality instead of inequality.

Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act | ADA.gov

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Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act

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Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act

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The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act was implemented in 1990 under President Bush. Ryan White was a 13-year-old boy who contracted HIV via a blood transfusion. During that time, many people assumed only gay individuals could get HIV/AIDS and so the problem was unjustly ignored. However, Ryan White's story brought attention to the fact that anybody could get HIV/AIDS, as it is transmissible via the blood. Ryan White had to fight for his right to attend school and was victim to bullying and discrimination. He passed away in 1990 before his high school graduation, and the Ryan White CARE Act was passed. The Ryan White Care ACT aimed to improve the care of individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. It also aimed to make care more widely available, especially to individuals with lower incomes. It also fought to spread HIV awareness, in order to hopefully prevent the growing infection rate by educating people on how to take precautionary measures. Additionally, it improved awareness within medical communities, as now individuals have to be screened before giving/donating blood. Overall, the Ryan White CARE Act improves public knowledge of HIV/AIDs and also provides services to those affected by HIV.

An Overview Of The Ryan White Program | ACE

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The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was implemented in 1993 under President Clinton. It is a labor law that provides employees with the ability to take 12 unpaid, protected weeks per year. However, this is only allowed in certain cases, such as pregnancy, care of a newborn/child, adoption placement, caring for an immediate family member, and medical leave. Additionally, employees are only eligible for leave if they have worked for a certain number of hours. This was an important act because previously, women who were pregnant put themselves at risk in order to not be terminated from their jobs. The same can be said for people who were experiencing a serious health condition, etc. Under the FMLA Act, individuals in vulnerable situations are protected and ensured that they will be able to return to their job position once everything is resolved. This provides working individuals with job security.

Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) | U.S. Department of Labor

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The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act was passed in 1993 under President Clinton. The bill itself was named after James Brady, who became wheelchair bound after being injured during an assassination attempt on Reagan. This law made background checks mandatory for anyone looking to purchase a gun. Additionally, gun manufacturers, importers, and sellers had to wait a minimum of 5 days before selling to an unlicensed individual. However, this was eliminated in 1998 when instant background checks became more readily available. Overall, the Brady Act strengthened gun safety within America, although it is still not perfect. However, it prohibits individuals who cannot own a gun from owning one, although some may argue it could be stricter.

Brady Law | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Brady Law | Definition & Facts | Britannica

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The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was signed into law in 1994 by President Clinton. The VAWA provided funding to the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of violence against women. VAWA also provides protection for domestic abuse survivors. For example, someone cannot be evicted due to them facing domestic violence. There have been many provisions made to the law since 1994. One of these provisions allows VAWA to extend its protections to immigrants and any survivor of domestic abuse, regardless of gender. Also, due to the trauma that domestic abuse causes, VAWA also provides counseling services. Overall, VAWA provides protections to individuals who are victims of domestic violence.

What Is the Violence Against Women Act?

https://sedaghatlaw.com/how-vawa-empowers-abuse-survivors/?utm_source=

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 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

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 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) was implemented in 1997 under President Clinton. TANF provides federally funded assistance to families experiencing poverty. It aims to help impoverished families achieve success and become economically stable. It provides funding for food, childcare, housing, and other needed living expenses. Furthermore, one of TANF's requirements is that an individual must be employed, in work training or an education. TANF may provide additional financial assistance to those in work training or receiving an education to help with these things. Overall, TANF provides temporary funding to impoverished families to hopefully get them back on their feet. It encourages economic stability and tries to limit government dependence.

Welfare benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) | USAGov

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) | The Administration for Children and Families

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Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

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Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

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The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) was established in 2006 under President W. Bush. It was established as a part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. SORNA made it a federal crime not to register/update one's status if they are/have been a convicted sex offender. Furthermore, it gave the public notification of sex offenders in their area. This was implemented to hopefully increase public safety and awareness, although checking the sex offender registry is not mandatory, so many may be unaware. Overall, SORNA sought to increase public safety, especially that of children and youths. It increased public awareness of sex offenders in their area, although some argue punishments for the crime of sex offending should've been harsher.

Criminal Division | Sex Offender Registration And Notification Act (SORNA)

What Is a SORNA (Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act) Violation? 2025

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The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was implemented in 1996 under President Clinton. The act only recognized marriage as between a man and a woman and did not recognize same-sex marriages under federal law. Moreover, it allowed states to deny same-sex marriages that had occurred in other states, rendering them "invalid." It also prevented same-sex married couples to receive the same benefit cis married couples received, such as tax benefits, immigration rights, etc. This act was heavily contested by the LGBTQ+ community for obvious reasons. It denied their equal rights and policed who they could and couldn't love. Finally, in 2013, this act was repealed under President Obama. However, same-sex marriage did not become legal until 2015 due to the Obergefell v. Hodges supreme court ruling.

Defense of Marriage Act - Definition, Examples, Cases, Processes

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The USA Patriot Act was implemented in 2001 under President W. Bush. This act was a direct result of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, wherein thousands of Americans lost their lives. The Patriot Act aimed to decrease terrorism within the United States by implementing increased security measures. It allowed law enforcement and intelligence agencies to be wiretapped without court approval to survey suspected terrorists, among other things. Although it was implemented with good intentions, this act led to a lot of unjust racial profiling. Due to Al Qaeda being of Arab descent, many men from Saudi Arabia who had no affiliations with the terrorist group may have been detained due to their attire and/or religious beliefs. However, the Patriot Act did increase countermeasures to prevent terrorism, but some argue that the powers given to law enforcement under it may be unjust.

USA PATRIOT Act | FinCEN.gov

Patriot Act: Definition, History, and What Power It Has

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The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was passed in 2002 under President W. Bush. This act was an updated version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. NCLB sought to prevent children from slipping through the cracks and held schools more responsible for academic failure/student outcomes. It required standardized testing and academic progress had to be monitored. The goal of NCLB was not to let more disadvantaged students (impoverished, minorities, etc.) go unnoticed. However, due to the strict federal nature of this act, it was replaced in 2015 under President Obama by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA rolled back the federal role in state education. Instead, ESSA allows state flexibility in how states assess student achievement and academic standards. Furthermore, instead of relying solely on standardized education, ESSA utilizes multiple methods to gauge student success. However, it does still require annual testing. Overall, NCLB focused on improving student performance. ESSA also focuses on this, but gives states more control over their educational policies.

No Child Left Behind: An Overview

What is the Every Student Succeeds Act? | U.S. Department of Education

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Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

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Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, was implemented in 2010 under President Obama. The ACA was designed as a healthcare reform, meaning that it helped expand healthcare insurance and coverage. The ACA did many notable things that reshaped how healthcare was implemented within America. For example, it made healthcare more affordable in America for low-income individuals. Furthermore, it made it so that healthcare was something mandatory that American citizens had to have health insurance; it also made it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage to someone because of preexisting conditions. This was important because previously, people could be denied coverage if they had any preexisting disabilities/conditions, such as cancer, etc. Additionally, it extended health coverage eligibility to millions of Americans and created a health insurance marketplace. Overall, the ACA made health insurance more widely available to American citizens and greatly increased the list of essential things health insurance had to cover.

Affordable Care Act (ACA): What It Is, Key Features, and Updates

About the ACA | HHS.gov

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 Coronavirus Epidemic and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

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 Coronavirus Epidemic and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

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The Coronavirus Epidemic and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) was implemented in 2020 under President Trump. The CARES act was passed into law due to the Coronavirus epidemic that struck America (and many other countries) in 2020. This epidemic was devastating and took the lives of many Americans, while destroying the lives of others. Many people struggled economically during the epidemic, especially those that may have been laid off from their jobs and not able to work from home. Due to unemployment skyrocketing and many Americans filing for unemployment benefits, the American government decided to put the CARES act into place. The CARES act was an economic security act; it provided stimulus packages to millions of Americans and allowed loans to be forgivable. It also provided student loan relief. Overall, the CARES act sought to help millions of Americans who were struggling during the epidemic. It provided them with economic assistance during the duration of the epidemic to keep them afloat.

What is the CARES Act? Is it still in effect? - TheStreet

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The Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) is a social political movement that began in 2013. The movement was originally organized by three black women, Alicia Garzia, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi. It started as a protest of the acquittal of Trayvon Martin's (a young 17-year-old black boy) murderer. He was an innocent young man and was only visiting his father. The movement started as a way to fight inequality, violence against black individuals, and later, police violence within America. Then, in 2014, Mike Brown was murdered by a police officer. Darnell Moore and Patrisse Cullors organized a protest within St. Louis which gathered over 600 people. Quickly, many other individuals began organizing protests against black violence and police violence. These protests eventually spread outside of St. Louis as well. This led to the creation of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Infrastructure, which supports the development of new black leaders. All in all, the BLM was originally created to protest against black violence in America and spread quickly after the murder of Mike Brown. Black communities (and others) were outraged and joined together to fight back against injustice. Now, BLM is still advocating and even has a dedicated day, which is July 13th.

Our History - Black Lives Matter

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State Eugenic Sterilization Legislation 

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State Eugenic Sterilization Legislation 

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The State Eugenic Sterilization Legislation was a legislation passed in the U.S that made it legal for those deemed "feeble-minded" and "unfit" to be forcefully sterilized (hysterectomy, vasectomy, etc.) so that they would not be able to reproduce. The Eugenics movement really began to take off in the late 1800s, when it was first legalized in Connecticut. (Harvard, n.d) People protested vehemently against this; however, in 1927, the U.S Supreme Court decided to continue to allow the States' to forcibly sterilize people. This was the unfortunate result of a case called Carrie v. Bell, wherein a woman named Carrie Buck challenged her forceful sterilization. She was wrongfully deemed feeble-minded, and the courts decided in favor of sterilizing her (Cohen, 2016). This single ruling led to the sterilization of over 70,000 individuals (Cohen, 2016) within the U.S, and they were denied their right to make a choice/have autonomy over their own bodies.

“Eugenics Legislation · Galton’s Children · OnView: Digital Collections & Exhibits.” Collections.countway.harvard.edu, collections.countway.harvard.edu/onview/exhibits/show/galtonschildren/eugenics-legislation.

Cohen, Adam. “The Supreme Court Ruling That Led to 70,000 Forced Sterilizations.” NPR.org, 7 Mar. 2016, www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/03/07/469478098/the-supreme-court-ruling-that-led-to-70-000-forced-sterilizations.

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