Historical Background

 

The 1930s were some of the most difficult years in our nation's history. During this "Great Depression," thousands of businesses closed and millions of people were unemployed. At that time, many people who had worked their whole lives lost everything due to circumstances beyond their control.

 

Big changes to our national policies began during this time, as many special government programs were created by the Franklin Roosevelt administration to help people in need. A number of these programs remain from that time, but none is more important that the Social Security program.

 

Where We Are Today 

 

Social Security is one of the most important components to our social "safety net." Today, millions of people (especially senior citizens) count on Social Security benefits. Working people since the era of Roosevelt have come to expect that Social Security will be there when they retire.

 

However, some Americans do not think Social Security was a good idea when it was first created or now. Some argue that it consumes too large a part of the federal budget. Some say it makes people less responsible for their own lives and violates the precepts upon which the country was built..