Final answer:
The size and scope of the federal government expanded during the period of 1860-1877 due to factors such as the Civil War, Reconstruction, westward expansion, and the protection of civil rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The extent of change in the size and scope of the federal government from 1860–1877 can be seen through various historical events and developments.
1. The Civil War (1861-1865) led to a significant expansion of federal power as the government had to mobilize resources, raise armies, and oversee the reconstruction of the South.
2. The passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments during the Reconstruction era expanded the federal government's role in protecting civil rights and enforcing equal protection under the law.
3. The Homestead Act of 1862 and the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 demonstrated the federal government's involvement in the promotion of westward expansion and the development of infrastructure.
4. The establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau in 1865 showcased how the federal government took responsibility for assisting and protecting the rights of former slaves.
Overall, the federal government's size and scope increased during this period due to the demands of the Civil War, the push for Reconstruction, and the promotion of westward expansion and civil rights.