It was implemented because it got votes. It's not a coincidence that it was restricted to people who could vote.
You get welfare whenever you expand the franchise too far.
So, pray tell, what was the step too far (in no particular order):
- women
- slaves
- non-property owners
- non-poll-tax payers
- 18 year olds
... and in which of those categories do you fall?
It was implemented because it got votes. It's not a coincidence that it was restricted to people who could vote.
You get welfare whenever you expand the franchise too far.