What are the legal mechanisms for protecting social rights in the US?

In the United States, social rights are protected through a variety of legal mechanisms, including federal and state legislation, court rulings, and administrative regulations. Social rights refer to the basic human rights necessary for a person to live a dignified life, such as the right to education, healthcare, housing, and social security.

The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention social rights, but the Supreme Court has recognized that certain rights, such as the right to education and the right to vote, are essential to ensuring the equal protection of the laws. In addition, federal and state legislation, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, protect specific social rights and prohibit discrimination on the basis of certain characteristics.

Court rulings have also played an important role in protecting social rights. For example, the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional and helped pave the way for desegregation efforts in the United States. More recently, court decisions have upheld the right to marriage equality and struck down attempts to restrict access to healthcare services.

Administrative regulations, issued by federal and state agencies, also protect social rights. For example, the Social Security Administration administers programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, which provide assistance to individuals with disabilities and low-income individuals, respectively.