Final answer:
Theodore Roosevelt's Square Deal, with its focus on controlling corporations, consumer protection, and conservation, set in motion a series of legislative changes that continue to influence federal government policies and regulations today.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Theodore Roosevelt's Square Deal reforms continue to have an impact on Americans today, particularly through legislation that arose from his ethos that the federal government should serve as a steward of public welfare. The Square Deal included measures for control over corporations, consumer protections, and conservation, which sought to address the challenges posed by monopolies, ensure the safety of food and drugs, and preserve natural resources.
The Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act were direct outcomes of Roosevelt's Square Deal, establishing standards that still resonate in today's regulatory environment. Additionally, President Roosevelt's intervention in the anthracite coal strike set a precedent for government involvement in labor disputes, symbolizing a shift toward the protection of workers' rights and the wellbeing of citizens.
These Progressive reforms laid the groundwork for future legislation, including aspects of the New Deal and long-standing policies like the Fair Labor Standards Act and Social Security. The Square Deal effectively expanded the power of the federal government, a legacy that has defined the role of the presidency and the scope of government regulation throughout the twentieth century and into the modern era.