A radical form of wealth distribution is gaining ground - here's where 5 major US politicians stand

A radical form of wealth distribution that's been gaining popularity over the past couple years.

It's known as universal basic income, and it involves paying every citizen a standard amount of money just for being alive.

Advocates claim the system could help reduce poverty and stave off the threat of widespread unemployment due to job automation. Skeptics claim the idea would cause people to stop working, producing a lazy society that lacks community or drive.

Basic income is still a niche idea, but a handful of politicians have weighed in. Here's how the conversation is taking shape.