Final answer:
The lasting impact of the New Deal was the establishment of Social Security and other social safety nets, which permanently changed the role of the federal government in economic regulation and social welfare, introducing foundational programs like FDIC and SEC.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lasting effect of New Deal laws and agencies on American government and life is most accurately described by option b) The establishment of Social Security and other social safety nets. The New Deal led to a profound shift in the role of the federal government, particularly in the areas of economic regulation and social welfare.
Programs like the Social Security Act of 1935 established a fundamental component of the modern social safety net, providing relief and security to elderly Americans who were disproportionately affected by the Great Depression. Further, the New Deal introduced agencies such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which continue to play crucial roles in regulating the economy and protecting the interests of citizens.
The New Deal also solidified the concept of government responsibility in ensuring economic stability and the well-being of its citizens, a legacy that persists in the ongoing political debates about the extent of government intervention in the economy. Roosevelt’s administration marked a departure from previous laissez-faire policies and set precedents for federal involvement that have had enduring impacts on American life.