Question

Why did the SSA annoy the courts so much? (from Erkulwater reading)

A. It overstepped its constitutional authority.
B. It contradicted existing labor laws.
C. It infringed on states' rights.
D. It violated international treaties.

Answer 1

The Social Security Act (SSA) annoyed the courts primarily because it overstepped its constitutional authority. Some programs under the SSA, like the National Recovery Act and the Agricultural Adjustment Act, were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Social Security Act (SSA) annoyed the courts primarily because it overstepped its constitutional authority.

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the federal government implemented the New Deal, including the creation of the SSA to provide financial support for the elderly, unemployed, and disabled. However, some programs under the SSA were challenged in court, such as the National Recovery Act and the Agricultural Adjustment Act, leading to the Supreme Court declaring them unconstitutional.

This use of federal power was seen as exceeding the limits of the national government's authority and interfering with state and individual rights.