A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What was one of the main objectives targeted by the implementation of the Wages and Hours Act?

1. Increase agricultural productivity

2. Set standards for the maximum work hours of employees

3. Redefine the age of retirement for workers

4. Encourage youth to work part-time jobs in farming

The correct answer is: Set standards for the maximum work hours of employees

The implementation of the Wages and Hours Act aimed to set standards for the maximum work hours of employees, which was a significant objective linked to improving labor conditions during the New Deal era. This legislation sought to create fair labor standards that would limit the number of hours workers could be required to work, in turn helping to reduce unemployment by encouraging employers to hire more workers instead of overworking a smaller labor force. By establishing a maximum workweek, the Act aimed to prevent exploitation and ensure that workers were not subjected to excessively long hours without adequate pay. This was particularly important during the economic struggles of the 1930s, as it provided a necessary framework for labor rights and protected workers from detrimental labor practices. Some other options, while related to labor and economic conditions, did not directly align with the specific goals of the Wages and Hours Act. For instance, while increasing agricultural productivity could be a broader economic goal, it was not the primary focus of this Act. Redefining the age of retirement or encouraging youth to work part-time in farming relates to different aspects of labor policy and were not objectives of the Wages and Hours Act itself.