The significance of the Social Security Act in U.S. political history lies in its foundation of the modern welfare state. Enacted in 1935 during the Great Depression, the Act aimed to provide financial assistance to the elderly, disabled, and unemployed, thereby establishing a social safety net. This legislation marked a shift in government responsibility toward ensuring economic security for its citizens. It has served as a model for various social policies and programs over the decades, fostering discussions on social welfare, economic rights, and the role of the government in addressing poverty.