The concept that the government has a duty to provide for the welfare and well-being of its citizens, including social programs and services.
Related terms
Social Safety Net: A system of government programs designed to help individuals who are in need, such as unemployment benefits or healthcare assistance.
Welfare State: A political system where the government takes on significant responsibility for providing social and economic support to its citizens.
Entitlement Programs: Government programs that guarantee certain benefits to specific groups of people, such as Social Security or Medicare.