Final answer:
Government intervention has increased for several reasons, including to provide support to workers, protect the environment, and ensure national defense. These interventions include safety regulations, financial support systems, and discussions regarding the minimum wage's impact on the economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question posed addresses why government intervention has increased, with multiple-choice answers provided. A variety of reasons have historically led to an increased role of government, including helping workers obtain fair wages and working conditions, protecting the environment, and advancing national defense. Social and economic factors have led governments to intervene to promote general welfare, including setting safety standards in factories, supporting disabled or unemployed individuals, and establishing Social Security systems for retirees. While these interventions are designed to address specific societal needs, they are sometimes subjects of debate, especially regarding their long-term sustainability and impacts on the economy.
For example, the original intent of the minimum wage was to reflect increased buying power for workers, but today it often serves as the baseline for wage thresholds. Discussions around this issue include debates over whether increasing the minimum wage leads to higher prices or stimulates the economy by boosting workers' purchasing power. Thus, while government intervention aims to support citizens and strengthen various sectors of the economy, it must also take into account the complex interplay of economic forces and potential long-term effects on the nation's fiscal health and social welfare.