Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Franklin Roosevelt's presidency and the New Deal.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic depression that took place during the 1930s.

Deficit Spending

The governmental practice of spending more money than it receives in revenue, often during times of economic downturn.

Social Security Act

A piece of legislation passed in 1935 that established a system of old-age benefits for workers and unemployment insurance.

Demagogue

A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.

Townsend Plan

A proposed pension plan by Dr. Francis Townsend during the Great Depression which suggested giving $200 per month to every citizen over 65, with the caveat that they must spend it within the month.

Share Our Wealth Society

A movement started by Huey Long during the Great Depression that proposed a guaranteed annual income for Americans.

Rural Electrification Act

A New Deal program that aimed to bring electricity to rural areas, greatly improving the quality of life for farmers.

WPA (Works Progress Administration)

A New Deal agency that provided jobs and infrastructure improvements during the Great Depression.

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)

A nonprofit organization that aims to empower people to choose how they live as they age, particularly focusing on issues affecting older Americans.

COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment)

An adjustment made to Social Security payments to keep up with inflation, ensuring that benefits maintain their purchasing power.