FDR's Economic Bill of Rights

 

On January 11, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his State of the Union address from his office, which was broadcast over radio.  He included his recommendation that we needed to supplement our political Constitution, which addressed our civil or political rights, with eight additional economic rights:   

 

Roosevelt's List of Economic Rights

The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the Nation; 

The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation; 

The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living; 

The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad; 

The right of every family to a decent home; 

The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health; 

The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment; 

The right to a good education. 

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