APUSH: Fair Labor Standards Act Definition + Impact

fair labor standards act apush definition

APUSH: Fair Labor Standards Act Definition + Impact

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) represents a significant piece of United States labor law. Its main provisions established minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, recordkeeping, and child labor standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments. For an APUSH (Advanced Placement United States History) student, understanding this act requires recognizing it as a key element of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation. The legislation addressed economic disparities and worker exploitation prevalent during the Great Depression.

The importance of the FLSA lies in its creation of a basic safety net for American workers. By setting a minimum wage, it aimed to provide a living wage and stimulate consumer spending. Overtime pay requirements discouraged employers from demanding excessive work hours without compensation, thus promoting a better work-life balance for employees. The restrictions on child labor sought to protect children from hazardous or exploitative work conditions, allowing them to prioritize education. The historical context reveals its departure from the laissez-faire economic policies that had previously dominated the American landscape, signifying increased government intervention in the economy and labor relations.

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8+ Clear Fair Housing Act Disability Definition & Rights

fair housing act disability definition

8+ Clear Fair Housing Act Disability Definition & Rights

The federal Fair Housing Act provides protection against discrimination in housing based on certain characteristics. One such characteristic is disability. The Act defines disability, with respect to an individual, as a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities, a record of having such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. This definition covers a broad range of conditions, including physical, sensory, cognitive, and mental health impairments. For example, a person with a mobility impairment who uses a wheelchair, or a person with a diagnosed mental illness, would be considered disabled under the Act.

This legal safeguard is critical because it ensures individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing opportunities. It prohibits landlords and other housing providers from denying housing, setting different terms or conditions, or otherwise discriminating against individuals on the basis of disability. This promotes inclusivity and prevents the segregation of disabled individuals, fostering a more integrated and equitable society. The Fair Housing Act’s protections for people with disabilities build upon decades of advocacy by disability rights groups and reflect a growing recognition of the importance of accessible and affordable housing for all.

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