Hindsight · review build · data not yet validated
Although not politically popular, the underclass is politically neutralized through public assistance and the generally high level of affluence.
Grader A: hit
The poor did not form a disruptive political force in 2009-2011 despite the recession. Public assistance expanded sharply: SNAP benefits were raised under the 2009 Recovery Act and participation reached 47.6 million by 2013. The 'high affluence' part is weak for 2009, but the gradable core (underclass contained politically through public assistance) held.
Test: Qualitative: no underclass-based political movement of significance in the US 2009-2011; food-assistance participation rose to an all-time high of 47.6 million (2013).
Grader B: unfalsifiable
The two halves point different ways. Public assistance did expand: SNAP participation rose sharply in the Great Recession and peaked at 47.6 million in 2013. The poor did not form a disruptive political force. But the stated mechanism, 'the generally high level of affluence', was false in 2009: US poverty rose to 14.3% during the deepest recession since the 1930s. 'Politically neutralized' has no agreed measure, so the readings give different verdicts.
Test: No adoption test applies. Related figures: US poverty 14.3% (2009); SNAP participation peaked at 47.6M (2013).