Final answer:
In political discussions, those who are considered to deserve assistance due to poverty through no fault of their own are termed the 'deserving poor'. This concept has historical roots in the Progressive Era and was especially relevant during the Great Depression. The 'deserving poor' are distinguished from others based on the societal perception of their conditions and the efforts to provide them with assistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In political speeches about the poor, those who are believed to deserve assistance are often termed the 'deserving poor'. This concept, which became more prominent during the Progressive Era and the Great Depression, refers to individuals who have fallen into poverty through no fault of their own, such as those who lost money during economic downturns in contrast to those who might have been seen as responsible for their own misfortunes. The designation aims to identify those in need whose circumstances elicit societal sympathy and justify support.
During the Great Depression, social reformers and humanitarian agencies identified the 'deserving poor' as a specific category separate from others. Relief for the 'deserving poor' was seen as important - these were the people who once had jobs and were active participants in the economy but had lost everything due to the failing economic situation. However, the vast number of people needing assistance and the belief that relief should come from private agencies, as opposed to federal intervention, posed significant challenges. The Poor People's Campaign, initiated by Martin Luther King, served as a historical exemplar of an antipoverty protest that tried to address the hardships faced by the poor and advocate for greater antipoverty legislation.