Curated OER
Taxes in U.S. History: The Social Security Act of 1935
Learners explain the history of the Social Security Act and the FICA tax. They describe what Social Security is and whom it is intended to help. They explain the purpose of the FICA tax.
Center for History Education
Debating Social Security: Understanding and Evaluating the Social Security Act of 1935
With throngs of Americans out of work and hungry, Franklin D. Roosevelt made the bold move to establish a social safety net with programs such as Social Security. The move was—and still is—controversial. Using documents from the 1930s,...
Curated OER
The Social Security Act
Students examine the Social Security Act of 1935. In this U.S. history lesson, students research primary sources in order to prepare for a mock debate of the act prior to it becoming legislation.
Humanities Texas
A President's Vision: Franklin D. Roosevelt
This poster goes well beyond any traditional worksheet in allowing learners to analyze a variety of primary source documents related to the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Curated OER
Poverty Lesson Plans
Poverty lesson plans can help students understand the issues involved, and how countries are trying to tackle this problem.
Internal Revenue Service
Irs: The Social Security Act of 1935 Lesson Plan
This lesson plan will help learners understand the history and purpose of the Social Security Act of 1935 and the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA).
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...
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...
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Curated OER
Seal of Social Security Board
History of the Social Security Administration, which was created at the time FDR signed the Social Security Act. Links to related people, as well as a timeline and narrative history of Social Security since 1935. Gives details on the...
Curated OER
Seal of Social Security Administration
History of the Social Security Administration, which was created at the time FDR signed the Social Security Act. Links to related people, as well as a timeline and narrative history of Social Security since 1935. Gives details on the...
US National Archives
Our Documents: A National Initiative on American History, Civics, and Service
Our Documents is home to one hundred milestone documents that influenced that course of American history and American democracy. Includes full-page scans of each document, transcriptions, background information on their significance, and...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Domestic Policies
Read about the scope of Roosevelt's New Deal from 1933 until 1939 and continue with his domestic policies during World War II. Find out how important Roosevelt's personality was to the implementation of his ideas.