The 40-hour work week and the first national minimum wage were established by ______________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 established the 40-hour work week and the first national minimum wage in the United States. This law also established child labor standards, overtime pay, and recordkeeping requirements for employers. Choice A is incorrect because voluntary agreements among businesses alone would not have established a national standard for employment practices. Choice B is incorrect because the Lochner decision, made in 1905, struck down a state law that regulated bakers' working hours and set a maximum workday of ten hours. Choice C is incorrect because President Truman did not establish the 40-hour work week or minimum wage through executive order. Choice E is incorrect because the Social Security Act of 1935 established a system of old-age, survivor, and disability insurance, but did not establish employment standards or minimum wage.

The 40-Hour Work Week and the First National Minimum Wage