Question

how did the New deal change the attitudes about the role of government in the economy and the governments responsibility for the social welfare or ordinary Americans? What economic and social welfare programs today trace their origins to the New deal legislation?

Answer 1

The New Deal vastly transformed the role of government in the economy and society, introducing increased government intervention and social welfare programs like Social Security, marking the beginning of Americans' expectation for government economic security and setting the stage for future debates about the extent of government involvement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The New Deal initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression significantly altered public perceptions of the role of government in the economy and its responsibility towards social welfare. Before the New Deal, the federal government had a limited role in these areas, adhering to a laissez-faire approach. However, programs such as the Social Security Act of 1935, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and the National Recovery Administration (NRA) showcased a shift towards increased government intervention in economic matters and the provision of a social safety net.

This expansion in government responsibilities included the acceptance of deficit spending as a necessary measure to finance these programs, leading to an increase in national debt but also providing necessary relief and recovery to struggling Americans. The idea that the government should guarantee the economic security of its citizens became more accepted, and this laid the groundwork for future social welfare programs. The New Deal's legacy continues today, with modern programs like Social Security and various federal employment initiatives tracing their origins back to this era.

While the effectiveness and extent of governmental intervention continue to be subjects of political debate, the New Deal fundamentally changed Americans' expectations of government's role in ensuring a basic standard of living and mitigating the ups and downs of the economy. It can be said that the New Deal helped to lay the foundation for the modern welfare state and the continued development of social programs aimed at supporting the most vulnerable populations in the United States.