Assessing how economic rights can conflict, why is raising the federal minimum wage a controversial issue?

A. The economic right of business owners to set the pay for their workers is pitted against the economic right of workers to make a living wage.

B. Some business owners feel like it is a violation of their rights for the federal government to tell them what to do.

C. The rights of workers to ask for a promotion are in conflict with the business owner when they can’t afford the new promotion salary.

D. Businesses have the right to set the minimum wage, and workers have the right to reject it.

A. The economic right of business owners to set the pay for their workers is pitted against the economic right of workers to make a living wage.

The correct answer is A. The economic right of business owners to set the pay for their workers is pitted against the economic right of workers to make a living wage.

The correct answer is A. The economic right of business owners to set the pay for their workers is pitted against the economic right of workers to make a living wage.

Raising the federal minimum wage is a controversial issue because it involves conflicting economic rights. On one hand, business owners argue that they have the right to set the pay for their workers based on market forces and the financial viability of their business. They may argue that government interference in determining wages can lead to increased costs, reduced profits, and potential job losses.

On the other hand, workers advocate for a higher minimum wage as a means to ensure they earn a living wage, which is the minimum income necessary for them to meet their basic needs. They argue that a higher minimum wage can alleviate poverty, improve their living standards, and address income inequality.

The controversy arises from the conflict between these two economic rights. Business owners believe that increasing the minimum wage may burden them financially and impede their ability to operate, hire additional employees, or invest in their business. Workers, on the other hand, argue that they have the right to be paid a fair and sustainable wage for their labor.

It is important to note that while raising the minimum wage can benefit workers, it can also have potential negative consequences. For example, businesses may respond by decreasing hours, reducing employment, and increasing prices to compensate for the increased labor costs. Therefore, finding a balance between the economic rights of business owners and workers is a complex challenge that requires careful consideration and analysis of the potential impacts.