Which of the following are true of the Agricultural Adjustment Act?

Question

Multiple select question.

It was a success for small farmers but failed to help those trying to establish larger farms.

It helped to bring about a rise in prices for farm commodities.

Its long-term effect was the destabilization of the agricultural economy.

It failed to offer any relief to those who worked the land.

It was partially struck down by the Supreme Court.

Answer 1

The following statements about the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) are true:

1. It helped to bring about a rise in prices for farm commodities. - The AAA aimed to reduce crop production to raise prices for struggling farmers, which it largely achieved for many commodities.

2. Its long-term effect was the destabilization of the agricultural economy. - While it provided short-term relief, the AAA's methods of restricting production and its impact on crop prices contributed to volatility in the agricultural sector over the long term.

3. It failed to offer any relief to those who worked the land. - The benefits of the AAA primarily went to landowners, and many farm laborers and sharecroppers did not receive direct benefits, leading to further economic difficulties for those who worked the land.

4. It was partially struck down by the Supreme Court. - In 1936, the Supreme Court ruled the AAA unconstitutional, effectively striking down key provisions of the act.

The statement about the AAA being a success for small farmers but failing to help those trying to establish larger farms is generally misleading, as the act primarily benefited larger landowners and did not adequately assist small farmers or those trying to establish larger operations.