Social Security

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,...

Here is an excellent breakdown of what Social Security is in the United States, including its purpose, benefactors, sources of income, and areas of investment. The video compares a traditional retirement account with Social Security, and...

Should Social Security be privatized, or is the government program fine just the way it is? Scholars read pro and con arguments and watch videos to learn more about the debate topic. Pupils also have an opportunity to interact with other...

Includes facts on Social Security, its history, problems, and possible solutions for the program.

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.

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.

Students 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.

This is an annual report issued by the SSA in which they evaluate the state and health of the Social Security program and make projections. It is also in PDF format and there is a summary available.

[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.

This site addresses the history of social security. There is an invaluable amount of information on this site (timelines, audio clips, etc.).