Second Bill of Rights

The Second Bill of Rights was a social-democratic concept proposed by US president Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt argued that the "political rights" guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights had "proved inadequate to assure us equality in the pursuit of happiness". His remedy was to declare an "economic bill of rights" to guarantee these specific rights:

• Employment (right to work)
• Food, clothing and leisure with enough income to support them
• Farmers' rights to a fair income
• Freedom from unfair competition and monopolies
• Housing
• Medical care
• Social security
• Education

Legacy

The propositions made by Roosevelt have gone largely unfulfilled. An article featured in the Democratic Left academic journal titled "Corporations Are Destroying Our Economy, Our Environment, and Our Children's Future" provides insight onto how the significance of the bill is largely selective, and has been reduced through "unbridled capitalism". The commodification of education, health care and other areas fundamental to the realization of Roosevelt's goals is described as being responsible for maintaining vast inequality pervasive within the US.

See also

• Full employment
• Universal health care