Being a citizen of any country means you are entitled to some basic rights. Similarly, the government is responsible for enacting laws aimed at protecting the life and properties of its citizens. But because of their numerous and constantly changing terms, citizens must stay updated about the laws governing them. While you can access the full list of all US state and federal laws on Lawcator, this article will familiarize you with some of the most prominent US laws and rights for all citizens.
1. Social Security
This law was enacted under the United States Social Security Program of 1935. It is essentially designed to offer insurance opportunities to workers of old age, with disabilities and or survivors. The insurance benefits would cover them and their families against unexpected catastrophe. The benefit is usually paid in part or on an employment basis.
2. Legal Drinking Age
While 18 is commonly known as the age of adulthood, not all adulthood privileges can be enjoyed in the US at that age; alcohol consumption is one of them. According to the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, 21 is the age when a person becomes legally permitted to consume alcoholic drinks. Although many teens still consume beers, it is illegal in a majority of states in the United States.
3. Anti-discrimination law
The United States is home to people of diverse cultures and values. Therefore, its laws do not tolerate segregation/ of or against a person or group based on their sex, color, religion, or origin. As such, the state and federal laws make provisions for victims of discrimination, such that may hinder the exercise of their basic rights, file charges against assailants. In the same vein, individuals are also protected against retaliation on account of filing charges against such assailants. This law is backed by the Civil Rights Act.
4. Freedom of information
Freedom of information remains one of the most popular basic human rights. It should not be mistaken for the freedom of speech. The right to freedom of information is ruled by the Freedom of information Act (FOIA). It is essentially designed to enable US citizens to demand, access, use and even record information about any government establishment. These establishments are bound by the same law to make public any information requested under this act. As such it is required of them to make use of various mediums to broadcast these requests.
5. No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
This federal law, under the No Child Left Behind Act, was enacted to make financial provision and alternative support for poor children in disadvantaged areas in the United States. With its primary focus on improving their education, the act ensures that the overall welfare of these children is of paramount concern to the government. Under the act, schools are expected to comply with set standards governing the act, and meet up with the expectations. For instance, all children covered under the act are expected to reach a 100% level of proficiency in reading and math.
6. Immigration
The Immigration and Nationality Act is the legal administration body on matters of immigration. Because of the very complex nature of immigration matters, the laws of the United State cover a variety of sub-matters related. For instance, the INA has special legal codes that govern matters of immigration concerning people from relative countries, children born out of wedlock, nationals who are not citizens of the united states, and so on. It goes from general to specific and understanding your position.
7. Contract Law
We live our days based on a certain level of understanding with other people; at our workplace, events, personal business or even casual engagements. Therefore, it is important to understand the consequences of breaching an agreement. While there are various types of breach of law, they are all governed under the United States Contract Law.
8. The Patriot Act
In 2001, this act was passed into law by the United States government, with the aim of guarding its territories against terrorist activities. The enactment of this was spurred by the events of the 9/11 attack. Although the law has changed over the course of time, yet it has retained its central identity- intercepting potential terrorist attacks. Similarly, the law also covers the provision of support for victims of terrorism.
To ensure peaceful coexistence, every individual must know the laws that govern them. Not only as a means of preventing crime, but in order not to be cheated of your rights as well. Therefore, an understanding of these 8 most prominent laws is essential to know their full rights under the law.
