Question

Save from President Theodore Roosevelt's first State of the Union Message, December 3, 1901.

The most vital problem with which this country, and for that matter the whole civilized world, has to deal, is the problem which has for one side the betterment of social conditions, moral and physical, in large cities, and for another side the effort to deal with that tangle of far-reaching questions which we group together when we speak of labor.

The chief factor in the success of each man--wage-worker, farmer, and capitalist alike--must ever be the sum total of his own individual qualities and abilities. Second only to this comes the power of acting in combination or association with others. Very great good has been and will be accomplished by associations or unions of wage-workers when managed with forethought, and when they combine insistence upon their own rights with law-abiding respect for the rights of others.

The display of these qualities in such bodies is a duty to the nation no less than to the associations themselves. Finally, there must also in many cases be action by the Government in order to safeguard the rights and interests of all. Under our Constitution there is much more scope for such action by the State and the municipality than by the nation. But on points such as those touched on above the National Government can act.

a) Discuss Theodore Roosevelt's views on the role of associations and unions.

b) Summarize the key issues addressed by Theodore Roosevelt in the State of the Union Message.

c) Explain the significance of individual qualities according to Theodore Roosevelt.

d) Analyze the constitutional scope for government action as per Theodore Roosevelt.

Answer 1

In Theodore Roosevelt's State of the Union Message, he recognized the importance of associations and unions when managed with forethought and respect. He addressed key issues related to social conditions, labor, and the significance of individual qualities. Roosevelt acknowledged the constitutional scope for government action to safeguard the rights and interests of all.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Theodore Roosevelt's first State of the Union Message in 1901, he expressed his views on the role of associations and unions, stating that they can accomplish a great deal of good when managed with forethought and when they combine insistence upon their own rights with respect for the rights of others. Roosevelt believed that associations and unions have a duty to the nation to display these qualities and contribute to the betterment of social conditions and handling labor-related questions.

Some key issues addressed by Roosevelt in his State of the Union Message were the betterment of social conditions in large cities, the improvement of moral and physical well-being, and the need to address labor-related concerns. He emphasized the importance of individual qualities and abilities as the chief factor in a person's success, followed by the power of acting in combination or association with others.

According to Theodore Roosevelt, individual qualities are of significant importance. He believed that the sum total of a person's own qualities and abilities is crucial to their success, regardless of whether they are a wage-worker, farmer, or capitalist. Roosevelt recognized that each person's individual qualities and abilities contribute to their overall success and should be valued.

The constitutional scope for government action, according to Theodore Roosevelt, allows for the government to safeguard the rights and interests of all. Under the Constitution, the State and municipality have more scope for taking action, but the National Government can also act on certain points, such as dealing with labor-related issues and ensuring the rights and interests of all are protected.