Question

The philosophy of rugged individualism vs supporting the disadvantaged means that conservatives and liberals differ in their views of which of the following?
A. The federal government
B. An individual's rights and responsibilities
C. The constitution
D. Immigration laws

Answer 1

B. An individual's rights and responsibilities

Rugged individualism is the belief that individuals should work for their own success. This belief means people are responsible for their own economic well being and being able to take care of their family. Social welfare is the concept that a person can accept help from the community. This thinking allows a person to accept help from the government and that individuals would expect the government does help in certain cases and protections.

These two concepts came to a head in the US Great Depression. Republicans tended to argue for rugged individualism and the belief that people would be better off if they provided for themselves. This conservative thinking encouraged people to find innovate and find ways to make money during the Great Depression. Those supporting social welfare wanted the government to help support them. This thinking supports the idea that some services and responsibilities should be the burden of the whole community not just individualism in the community.