Internal Revenue Service
Understanding Taxes: The Social Security Act of 1935
This very complete lesson plan explains the history of the Social Security Act of 1935, its history and importance to the elderly during the Great Depression, and its importance today. Everything necessary to teach the lesson plan and...
![Ss Bulletin: Constitutional Background to the Social Security Act of 1935 [Pdf] Primary](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Ss Bulletin: Constitutional Background to the Social Security Act of 1935 [Pdf] Primary")
Other
Ss Bulletin: Constitutional Background to the Social Security Act of 1935 [Pdf]
A very interesting discussion of the potential problems that plagued the implementation of the Social Security Act. Read about the cases brought before the Supreme Court which gave Congress the constitutional ability to tax and spend for...
Other
Au: Frances Perkins on the Social Security Act (1935)
Here is a speech given by Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor in the administration of Franklin Roosevelt, praising the passage of the Social Security Act in 1935. See how this groundbreaking legislation would help the elderly, disabled,...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Social Security Act (1935)
Explanation of the importance of the Social Security Act and how it differed from social security initiatives of European countries. Includes a facsimile of the act's official entry in the Enrolled Acts and Regulations of Congress, along...
Cornell University
Cornell University: Law School: Social Security Library
The Cornell Law Library provides an exhaustive resource on "the set of programs popularly referred to as Social Security." Read about the Act and its amendments, court decisions, applications, and more.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Onilne: Fdr's Statements on Social Security
The Social Security Administration offers texts of thirteen addresses made by Franklin D. Roosevelt on the issue of Social Security. A great resource for primary source material on this topic.
Other
Historical Thinking Matters: Social Security
Learn about Social Security and the New Deal at this inquiry-based site. Contains many primary source documents for students to critique, a timeline, video, audio, assignments and a WebQuest.
Other
Social Security Act of 1935
A good overview of the Social Security Act, what it included, why it was proposed, and those whom it protected. Included are reasons for opposition to the act and mention of those who were left out of coverage. You can also read Franklin...
US National Archives
Nara: Social Security Act
See the first page of the Social Security Act from the National Archives date stamped August 12, 1935. FDR signed the act into law two days later.
Wisconsin Historical Society
Wisconsin Historical Society: A Brief Explanation of the Social Security Act
The Social Security Act was brought into law in 1935. This booklet was published by the government in 1935 to explain how the Act worked.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Social Security
See how the relationship between the government and its citizens was changed with the passage of the Social Security Act in 1935.
Stanford University
Sheg: Document Based History: Reading Like a Historian: Social Security
[Free Registration/Login Required] Take a look at two interpretations of the development of the Social Security program. Also break down the role of government in programs such as taxes and social welfare.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: 1935 Congressional Debates on Social Security
Full text of the debates in the House and the Senate over the Social Security Act of 1935, proposed by President Roosevelt for economic relief and recovery as part of his New Deal. Each of the debates can be downloaded in PDF form.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: 1937 Supreme Court Opinions
An in-depth discussion on the constitutionality of the Social Security Act and the 1937 Supreme Court decisions that helped settle it.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: History: Social Insurance for u.s.
The text of a radio speech given by Secretary of Labor Francis Perkins in 1935 in which he explained the Administration's proposals contained in the Economic Security Bill. This bill formed the basis for what later became the Social...
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Social Security Act of 1935
Provides 15 detailed facts and a summary of one of the most important elements of FDR's New Deal program, the Social Security Act of 1935.
Digital History
Digital History: Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, and Welfare [Pdf]
After reading a brief history of Social Security and its inception in the United States during the Great Depression, find out about the various programs that provide a social safety net to its citizens. See how these programs are funded,...
The Balance
The Balance: Learn About Fica, Social Security, and Medicare Taxes
Without understanding FICA, many high school students who begin working are shocked when they get their first paychecks. This article clearly explains these payroll taxes and what they mean for both employees and employers.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: 1935 Administration Economic Security Bill
A description of the Economic Security Act proposed to Congress by Roosevelt in 1935, with a link for downloading a PDF version of the final bill.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: Frances Perkins
Biography of Frances Perkins and her role in passing the Social Security Act. Includes personal quotes and links to other sites with more information on her service to Franklin Roosevelt.
New Deal Network
New Deal Network: Works of Fdr: A Message to the Congress on Social Security
Text of FDR's speech to Congress on January 17, 1935, regarding Social Security.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: Upton Sinclair
The Social Security Administration profiles the political career of author Upton Sinclair and his unsuccessful run as a progressive candidate for governor of California in 1934. He proposed a plan for California similar to what became...
Digital History
Digital History: Social Security
A brief look at the Social Security Act of 1935 which expanded the government's role in providing social welfare to those in need. See whom the Act did not help and read about how the legislation exanded the Americans' view of what...
Social Security Administration
Social Security Online: A Tea Party That Changed History
Essay discussing how Frances Perkins was involved in passage of the Social Security Act. Also contains a link to a speech given by Perkins to SSA employees.