Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

A Social Darwinist would support which of the following?

Rationale

A governmental policy of laissez-faire toward business.

Social Darwinism advocates for minimal government intervention in the economy, positing that natural competition among businesses leads to societal progress and improvement. This philosophy aligns with a laissez-faire approach, where the government refrains from regulating or interfering in business practices, allowing the "survival of the fittest" ideology to prevail.

A (A graduated income tax) YOUR ANSWER

A graduated income tax system imposes higher tax rates on individuals with greater income levels, signaling significant government intervention in economic affairs. Social Darwinists typically oppose such redistributive policies, believing that wealth should not be redistributed but rather earned through competition and success in the marketplace.

B (Building and sanitation codes in low-income housing) YOUR ANSWER

Building and sanitation codes are regulations aimed at ensuring safe and healthy living conditions for residents, particularly in low-income areas. Social Darwinists would likely reject these codes as they involve government oversight, which they believe could stifle competition and individual responsibility.

D (Government assistance for people who have disabilities) YOUR ANSWER

Providing government assistance to individuals with disabilities represents a form of welfare that Social Darwinists would typically oppose. They argue that such assistance undermines the principle of self-reliance and the natural selection process, favoring instead that individuals should adapt and overcome challenges without government support.

E (Regulation of trade by state and federal agencies) YOUR ANSWER

Trade regulation by government agencies directly contradicts the Social Darwinist principle of laissez-faire economics. Social Darwinists advocate for free market conditions where businesses compete without government-imposed restrictions, believing this leads to greater innovation and efficiency.

Conclusion

Social Darwinism promotes the idea that minimal government intervention fosters competition and societal advancement. Among the options provided, a laissez-faire approach to business aligns perfectly with these beliefs, while all other choices represent forms of government intervention that Social Darwinists typically oppose. Understanding this distinction helps clarify the ideological foundations behind various social and economic policies.

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