Final answer:
Option (1), The president who championed an activist government as a steward of the public welfare was Theodore Roosevelt. He actively confronted big business and worked for conservation, reforms, and the public's rights, setting a precedent for later administrations in the Progressive Era.
Step-by-step explanation:
President as a Steward of the Public Welfare
The president who believed in an activist government that served as a 'steward of the public welfare' was Theodore Roosevelt. His presidency marked a transformation of the executive branch in line with the Progressive spirit of that era. Roosevelt's 'Square Deal' epitomized the notion that the federal government should protect the public's interests, showcasing his active role in confronting big business and supporting workers' rights. Additionally, he was invested in the preservation of federal lands. Through his actions and policies, Roosevelt made it clear that he accepted the responsibility to use the powers of the presidency to act for the common good when necessary, unless explicitly forbidden by the Constitution or laws.
In comparison, while Woodrow Wilson and William Howard Taft also pursued progressive reforms, their approaches differed. Taft continued antitrust actions and expanded interstate commerce oversight but didn't campaign aggressively as a progressive. Wilson introduced the 'New Freedom' program, targeting the 'triple wall of privilege' - tariffs, trusts, and high finance - leaning towards a model of smaller federal government to protect public interests. However, Roosevelt's tenure is most notably associated with the robust stewardship principle.
In the context of US history, Roosevelt's assertive approach to the presidency set a precedent for future administrations to be more active in addressing national concerns, particularly those impacting the general welfare. His legacy of strong federal involvement in economic affairs and conservation efforts is seen as a key feature of Progressive Era presidents.