Final answer:
Government officials saw mural painting as a means to provide financial relief to artists, promote educational artwork, and instill community pride; this justified the use of federal funds for such art projects during tough economic times.
Step-by-step explanation:
One reason why government officials thought mural painting was a good use of federal funds is because murals were a way to help support artists economically during tough times. For instance, during the Great Depression, artists did not have traditional employment, making them ineligible for unemployment benefits. Recognizing that 'they've got to eat just like other people', the government provided a means for financial relief by commissioning artists to create educational artwork in public buildings. This initiative not only helped to alleviate artists' economic hardships but also served to beautify communities and instill a sense of pride among residents.
Mexico's government in the 1920s and the U.S. government during the 1930s recognized the value of murals beyond mere decoration. Murals were utilized to convey social and political messages and to educate people, with the Mexican Mural Movement led by artists such as Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros shaping national consciousness and identity.
In summary, murals became a means to celebrate cultural heritage, promote social unity, and provide financial relief to struggling artists, justifying the investment of federal funds in such projects.