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Early American settlers created their own forms of public assistance, inspired by the Elizabethan Poor Law of 1601. As poverty became widespread, they introduced local taxes and relief systems, like the contract system, where the poor were assigned to the lowest bidder for care. Poorhouses, or workhouses, were also created to control costs and vagrancy, but often had harsh conditions and poor management. Over time, these systems evolved into more formal welfare programs, leading to the creation of Social Security in 1935 after the Great Depression.

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Dorothea Dix worked hard to gain support for the mentally ill, getting state governments to create mental health institutions. She even tried to get federal support, but in 1854, President Franklin Pierce vetoed a bill that would have used federal land to fund asylums. Pierce believed that the federal government should not be responsible for mental health care and that it should be left to the states. This veto marked an important moment in the debate over the role of the federal government in social issues, a debate that continued for years.

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3: State Eugenic Sterilization Legislation

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3: State Eugenic Sterilization Legislation

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The American eugenics movement pushed for forced sterilizations, starting with Indiana's 1907 law. Harry Laughlin promoted laws targeting the "socially inadequate," such as the mentally ill, criminals, and the poor. By 1924, around 3,000 people, mostly in California, were sterilized.

In 1924, Virginia passed a law allowing sterilization of the "feebleminded." Carrie Buck, a young woman from Virginia, was sterilized under this law, despite her pregnancy resulting from rape and misdiagnosed mental health. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the decision in the Buck v. Bell case in 1927, stating "Three generations of imbeciles are enough."

This case led to thousands of sterilizations, including 8,300 in Virginia. The German government later used similar laws. In 1942, Skinner v. Oklahoma challenged sterilizations for criminals, but the practice continued until the 1970s. Over 60,000 people were sterilized in 33 states, and the Buck v. Bell decision remains in place today.

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Workers' compensation helps if you are injured or become ill due to your job. It usually provides cash payments for lost wages while you're recovering, covers medical expenses, and offers benefits to dependents if a worker dies from a work-related injury or illness.

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The Immigration Act of 1924 limited immigration to the U.S. by setting quotas based on the 1890 census, allowing only two percent of people from each nationality to immigrate. It excluded immigrants from Asia completely.

In 1917, Congress passed the first major restrictive immigration law, including a literacy test and a ban on most Asian immigrants, except for Japanese and Filipinos. By the 1920s, Congress wanted stricter limits, and Senator William P. Dillingham proposed a quota of three percent based on the 1910 census. This was later reduced to two percent and based on the 1890 census, favoring Western and Northern Europeans while limiting immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe.

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Unemployment insurance helps you financially if you lose your job through no fault of your own. Each state runs its own program, so apply in the state where you worked.

To qualify, most states require you to meet certain conditions, like earning a minimum amount in the past 12-24 months, having steady work history, and looking for a new job.

If you lose your job, COBRA lets you keep your health insurance for a limited time.

Be cautious of unemployment scams where criminals use your personal info to file false claims. Always protect your identity.

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Economic security has been a concern throughout history, especially with an aging population and economic instability. In the 1600s, England created "poor laws" to help the less fortunate, a system later brought to America. By the 19th century, conditions worsened, and more people needed support. The Great Depression worsened the situation, especially for the elderly. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced Social Security in 1935, providing benefits like pensions for the elderly, unemployment insurance, and assistance for widows and disabled people. This law aimed to offer financial security for American citizens.

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The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was created in 1935 by President Roosevelt to provide jobs during the Great Depression. It helped millions of unemployed people by funding public works projects like roads, buildings, and parks. The WPA also supported arts programs and offered part-time jobs to young people.

By 1943, with the economy improving during World War II, the WPA ended after helping 8.5 million people find work.

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The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that sets standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor. It applies to both full-time and part-time workers in private businesses and government jobs at the federal, state, and local levels.

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10: Japanese Internment (Executive Order 9066)

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10: Japanese Internment (Executive Order 9066)

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Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, allowed the government to remove people from certain areas. Though it didn't mention any group, it was quickly used to relocate Japanese Americans on the West Coast after the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941.

Over 110,000 Japanese Americans were forced into internment camps due to fears they might be loyal to Japan. The War Relocation Authority oversaw this process. In 1944, the Supreme Court ruled it was illegal to detain citizens without charges. The camps were eventually closed, and in 1988, the U.S. government apologized and gave reparations to those affected.

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11: Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (G.I. Bill)

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11: Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (G.I. Bill)

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The G.I. Bill, signed into law by President Roosevelt on June 22, 1944, helped WWII veterans with education, unemployment benefits, and housing. It aimed to prevent a postwar depression by providing support for veterans to transition to civilian life.

The bill provided funding for college, training, and living expenses, benefiting about 8 million veterans. It increased the number of college graduates and helped more people buy homes. However, Black veterans faced discrimination, making it harder for them to access housing benefits.

By 1956, the G.I. Bill had disbursed $14.5 billion, boosting the economy. The program was later extended to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

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Head Start programs support children from birth to age 5 with early learning, health, and family services. These free programs engage parents to help kids succeed.

Head Start serves children ages 3-5, while Early Head Start helps children from birth to 3. Programs are available in centers, homes, and child care settings across the U.S. and its territories, aiming to prepare children for school and life.

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The Community Mental Health Act (CMHA) of 1963 aimed to reduce mental hospital populations by creating local care centers. President Kennedy and Congress believed community care would be better than institutionalization.

While the law followed earlier efforts to improve mental health care, it faced problems like limited funding and poor infrastructure. Less than half of the planned 1,500 centers were built, and many didn’t provide proper care for those with serious mental illnesses.

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The Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed by President Lyndon Johnson, was a landmark law that banned discrimination in public places, schools, and jobs. It followed President John F. Kennedy's call for action in 1963 to ensure equal treatment for all Americans, regardless of race. The law ended segregation in public facilities, such as restaurants and hotels, and made employment discrimination illegal. Despite strong opposition, the bill passed through Congress with the help of President Johnson and key leaders like Senator Hubert Humphrey. Title VII of the Act created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce laws against discrimination in the workplace.

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15: Food Stamp Program/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

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15: Food Stamp Program/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

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SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) gives monthly benefits to help people buy food. Other programs like the Food Distribution Program and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) may also provide help.

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Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with specific disabilities. Medicaid is a program funded by both the federal government and states to provide health coverage for those with low income and limited resources.

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Medicaid is a health care program funded by both the federal and state governments. Each state runs its own program but must follow federal rules. States can offer more services or cover more people than required. Eligibility depends on income and assets.

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The Older Americans Act (OAA), passed in 1965, helps older adults live independently and with dignity. It created a national Aging Network with state agencies, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), and community providers. The OAA funds services like meals, health programs, in-home care, transportation, and caregiver support. AAAs, established in 1973, customize these services to fit local needs and help seniors stay in their homes.

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The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), passed in 1969, aims to protect the environment for future generations by promoting harmony between humans and nature. It established the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to advise the president, help federal agencies follow NEPA, and oversee environmental projects. NEPA was amended in 2023 under the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

The Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970 also focused on CEQ’s role, and the Clean Air Act allows the EPA to review and refer environmental impact statements to CEQ. The CEQ updates NEPA guidelines and regulations, with the most recent changes coming in 2024.

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The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, created in 1972, provides monthly cash assistance to older or disabled individuals with limited income and few assets. It is managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and in January 2024, around 7.4 million people are expected to receive benefits.

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21: Women, Infants, and Children Program

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21: Women, Infants, and Children Program

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The Missouri WIC program provides extra food, health care referrals, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, along with infants and children up to age five. Fathers, grandparents, guardians, and foster parents can also apply for benefits for the children in their household.

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22: Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

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22: Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

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The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) created a National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect to oversee research and provide resources for those working in the field. It also funds grants to train professionals and support projects aimed at preventing or treating abuse. At least 50% of the funding must go to demonstration programs. The Act allocates grants to states and requires a national study on child abuse rates. It also ensures coordination between CAPTA and other related federal programs.

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Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

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23: Housing and Community Development Act

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23: Housing and Community Development Act

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The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 provided funding to states and local governments to improve housing and urban areas, focusing on helping low- and moderate-income families. It allowed grants for community projects like property rehabilitation, public works, and urgent needs. The Act also ensured fairness, prevented discrimination, and promoted job creation.

It offered support for low-income families with housing construction, rehabilitation, and mortgage insurance. The Act also included programs for rural housing, mobile home safety, and home mortgage assistance. It encouraged state agencies to manage housing programs, revitalize communities, and follow environmental standards.

Additionally, the Act allowed HUD to transfer properties for urban homesteading and funded research on energy-efficient housing. It also created the National Institute of Building Sciences to improve housing standards and required buyers to be informed about flood risks.

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24: Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

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24: Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

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The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), created in 1974 and last updated in 2002, helps states prevent juvenile crime and support at-risk youth and families. It funds programs to improve juvenile justice systems and supports the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), which provides training and research. The act has not been updated in over seven years, and new strategies are needed.

Although juvenile crime rates are low, the U.S. locks up youth at higher rates than other countries, including those charged with non-criminal offenses. Youth of color are overrepresented at all stages of the system.

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25: Education for All Handicapped Children Act

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25: Education for All Handicapped Children Act

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed in 1975 to ensure that all children, regardless of disability, have the right to a free and appropriate public education. Before IDEA, many children with disabilities had limited access to education and were placed in institutions. The law requires public schools to provide special education services and accommodations, allowing students with disabilities to learn alongside their peers in regular classrooms. Over time, IDEA has been updated to include early intervention for young children and requirements for qualified teachers. It has helped millions of children with disabilities gain better access to education, though challenges still exist.

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Education for All Handicapped Children Act

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If you have a low income, you may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can reduce your taxes or increase your refund. The amount you get depends on factors like having children, dependents, or a disability, but you may still qualify without a child.

You can claim the EITC for up to 3 years after the original tax return due date.

To learn more, check if you qualify, what counts as earned income, and how to claim the credit. Use the EITC Assistant to estimate your credit.

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The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) protects Native children and supports Native families and tribes. It sets federal standards for removing Native children from their homes and placing them in culturally appropriate environments. ICWA also guides states in handling child abuse, neglect, and adoption cases involving Native children.

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28: Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act

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28: Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act

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The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act (1980) created Title IV-E, which separated foster care funding from the AFDC program and introduced adoption assistance. It also required states to make efforts to keep families together. The law was passed during a mild recession, but by the end of 1982, the country was in a much deeper economic downturn with unemployment reaching 10.8%.

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Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act

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29: McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

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29: McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

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The Secretary's guidelines help States follow the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, updated by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). They focus on supporting homeless children and youth in schools and revising policies that prevent them from enrolling, attending, or succeeding. States must ensure homeless students can enroll quickly, stay in their original school, and remove barriers like fees or absences. SEAs assist local schools by providing resources, checking policies, and helping revise rules that may block homeless students from getting an education.

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The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 was passed to strengthen drug law enforcement, international cooperation, and support for drug prevention and treatment programs. It covers areas like narcotics penalties, money laundering, drug trafficking, and international drug control. The Act also addresses substance abuse education for federal employees, trade sanctions against uncooperative countries, and safety measures related to commercial vehicles and national forests.

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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of people with disabilities in areas like jobs, public transit, and government services. It ensures access to service animals in public places. If you face discrimination, you can file a complaint with the right agency, and abuse can be reported to state social services.

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32: Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act

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32: Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act

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The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP), run by the HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB), provides grants to help low-income people with HIV, especially those without health insurance. The program aims to improve health and reduce HIV spread. Created in 1990, it helps over half a million people each year. The funding focuses on areas with high HIV rates and ensures services are available to those who need them most. RWHAP also tracks undiagnosed HIV cases and helps underserved communities get care. At least 75% of the funds go toward essential medical services for people with HIV.

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The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave each year for reasons like caring for a newborn, adopting a child, caring for a sick family member, or dealing with their own health issues. It applies to businesses with 50 or more employees. Employees must have worked at least 12 months and 1,250 hours to qualify. The law also includes special rules for military families.

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34: Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

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34: Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

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The Brady Law, passed in 1993, required a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases until 1998, when a federal background check system (NICS) took effect. Named after James Brady, who was injured in an assassination attempt on President Reagan, the law aimed to prevent gun sales to criminals. The NICS, run by the FBI, replaced the waiting period in 1998.

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The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), passed in 1994 and reauthorized multiple times, has improved how the U.S. responds to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. It has helped survivors access services and raised awareness about the need for quick action to support victims.

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36: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

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36: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

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Since 1996, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program has helped low-income families with children by providing financial support and services like job training and childcare. TANF gives $16.6 billion each year to states, territories, and tribes to help families stay together and reduce dependence on government benefits. The program also encourages work, marriage, and two-parent families while allowing flexibility for states to meet local needs.

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37: Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

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37: Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

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The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, created a national system for tracking sex offenders. The law helps improve public safety by requiring offenders to register with local and federal authorities, providing details like their name, location, and criminal history. All U.S. states, territories, and tribes must follow these rules. If offenders fail to register or update their information, it's a federal crime with penalties. The CEOS works with the FBI to investigate and prosecute offenders who don't follow the law and trains law enforcement on how to enforce SORNA.

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Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

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The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), passed in 1996, denied same-sex couples federal benefits like tax breaks, inheritance rights, and access to partner benefits. It also stopped states from recognizing same-sex marriages from other states. Supporters believed marriage should be between a man and a woman, while opponents argued it was discriminatory. In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down DOMA, and in 2015, same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide. DOMA was fully repealed in 2022 by the Respect for Marriage Act.

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The USA PATRIOT Act, passed after the September 11 attacks, gave the government expanded surveillance powers, allowing them to access personal records, conduct secret searches, and wiretap without needing strong evidence. It allowed the FBI to demand records from places like libraries and bookstores, even without proving criminal activity. Critics argue it violates privacy rights, ignores constitutional protections, and makes it harder for people to challenge the government's actions.

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The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, signed by President George W. Bush in 2002, increased the federal government’s role in holding schools accountable for student performance, especially for disadvantaged groups. It required states to test students in reading and math, with the goal of all students reaching proficiency by 2014. Schools that failed to meet targets faced penalties, like offering tutoring or school transfers. NCLB became controversial due to its focus on standardized tests and its effect on teaching. In 2015, it was replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which gave states more control over education.

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41: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

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41: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed in 2010, aimed to make healthcare more affordable and accessible. It expanded Medicaid, created health insurance exchanges, and protected people with pre-existing conditions. The ACA also allowed young adults to stay on their parents' plans until age 26, helping to reduce the number of uninsured Americans.

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Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

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

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

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The CARES Act, passed in March 2020, was a $2.2 trillion relief package to help the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided direct payments to individuals, extended unemployment benefits, and offered support to small businesses. The law also helped with mortgage and rent relief, boosted healthcare funding, and gave aid to large companies like airlines. It was the largest economic rescue plan in U.S. history.

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

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In 2013, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi started the Black Lives Matter movement after George Zimmerman's acquittal for the shooting of Trayvon Martin. The movement gained national attention in 2014 after the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, and grew worldwide after George Floyd's death in 2020. Black Lives Matter works to fight racism, support Black communities, and push for change through activism and protests against police brutality.