Is welfare (as provided by the federal government) unconstitutional?

Question

If it falls under police powers, is welfare strictly a state right, or does it fall under the necessary and proper clause?

How is it constitutional or unconstitutional?

Answer 1

During those days "welfare" meant to have conditions favorable for a good economy. The old saying "Fair thee well " was reflective of the understanding of what welfare meant. During the FDR administration the politics of the day altered the original meaning of welfare. Just as free speech actions are considered unlawful by certain new laws recently passed by a lackadaisical congress and unlawful president. But the Congress has the responsibility to ensure favorable conditions for our economy, not wall street that is unconstitutional.

Answer 2

Welfare is not unconstitutional. Part of the requirements of the federal government is to provide for the general welfare. There are both state and federal welfare programs, all quite constitutional.

Answer 3

If it can be justified under the Constitution at all, under the Section 8 powers of Congress, it would have to be interstate commerce. This is decidedly a stretch, and several recent Supreme Court decisions have so vitiated the Section 8 limitations that Congress can basically legislate on any subject that it pleases.

Answer 4

the idea of welfare can be seen as unconstitutional in that it helps one person while not benfitting the rest of america. Jacksonian principles were very much against the idea of welfare, because Jackson believed that if it didnt help the country as a whole, its playing favorites. That is a very democratic ideology, however i dont feel it affects any part of the constitution, its all your opinion and stance of government

Answer 5

why mess with a good thing? whether it's constitutional or unconstitutional, it helps people.

Answer 6

Yes it is and I am glad I am not the only one to see that.. Consider the 10th and 14th amendments