Author Question: Why is the health care system constitutional? How can it be related to the constitution? (Read 1398 times)

Hungry!

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,071
 I am doing my government homework and I have to explain how the health care payed by the government is related to the constitution.
Is there any amendment that can explain how this is one of the government's duties?



TI

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 434
It cannot be explained because this is not one of the government's duties.  If your teacher is pushing the position that somehow "free" healthcare is an obligation of the federal or state government, then throw the Constitution in their face and demand that they read it.  

The best that your teacher will be able to come up with is the "general Welfare" clause.  The problem with that argument is that the definition of welfare back then isn't what it is today.  Not only that, but by "general" the Constitution means "everyone"; the rich, the poor, white, black, etc. and not just some disadvantaged group.  The federal government should only be in the business of passing laws that benefit everyone, otherwise it's a more local issue that doesn't merit the federal gov'ts attention.

So along those lines, we can quickly see that "free" healthcare would only be something that applies to non-wealthy people and then would be disqualified under the original meaning of "general Welfare" and because it doesn't meet the requirements of that clause it becomes a State or even County issue.  Good luck!



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question

Yolanda

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 757
It isn't.
Current day socialists believe that housing, health care, and other issues are human rights.  Others  believe that these same issues are responsibilities.  



 

Did you know?

The most dangerous mercury compound, dimethyl mercury, is so toxic that even a few microliters spilled on the skin can cause death. Mercury has been shown to accumulate in higher amounts in the following types of fish than other types: swordfish, shark, mackerel, tilefish, crab, and tuna.

Did you know?

The first-known contraceptive was crocodile dung, used in Egypt in 2000 BC. Condoms were also reportedly used, made of animal bladders or intestines.

Did you know?

The largest baby ever born weighed more than 23 pounds but died just 11 hours after his birth in 1879. The largest surviving baby was born in October 2009 in Sumatra, Indonesia, and weighed an astounding 19.2 pounds at birth.

Did you know?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis syndrome are life-threatening reactions that can result in death. Complications include permanent blindness, dry-eye syndrome, lung damage, photophobia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, permanent loss of nail beds, scarring of mucous membranes, arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Many patients' pores scar shut, causing them to retain heat.

Did you know?

The longest a person has survived after a heart transplant is 24 years.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library