Florida US History EOC Practice Exam

What impact did the New Deal have on the role of the federal government in American society?

1. It reduced the federal government's influence

2. It established a more active role for the government in economic affairs

3. It eliminated government programs completely

4. It returned power to state governments

The correct answer is: It established a more active role for the government in economic affairs

The New Deal fundamentally transformed the role of the federal government in American society by establishing a more active and interventionist approach to managing economic affairs. In response to the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented a series of programs and reforms aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform. These initiatives reflected a shift in governmental philosophy, wherein the federal government took on a direct responsibility for the economic wellbeing of its citizens. Through the creation of agencies such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the federal government not only provided jobs to millions but also invested in public infrastructure. Additionally, programs like Social Security laid the groundwork for a safety net, illustrating how the federal government began to play a crucial role in protecting individuals from economic insecurity. The New Deal marked a departure from previous practices where the government was more hands-off, leading to a legacy of federal involvement in economic and social policies that continues to influence American governance today. This broader governmental role in economic affairs was significant in reshaping the relationship between the citizenry and the federal government, recognizing that federal intervention could be a necessary response to widespread economic distress.