Final answer:
The balance of power in the American federal system shifted towards the federal government as a result of the New Deal, exemplified by increased federal spending on economic and social programs such as the Social Security Act.
Step-by-step explanation:
As a result of the New Deal, the balance of power among the levels of government in the American federal system shifted significantly toward the federal government. This shift can be mainly attributed to the federal government's expanded role in economic and social policy during the Great Depression and World War II. The New Deal programs necessitated increased spending and regulatory activities by the federal government, which often surpassed the scope of state and local governments. The Social Security Act is a prime example of a program that transferred responsibilities traditionally held by families and local authorities to the federal government. Consequently, during peacetime, there was a marked expansion in federal authority, with many programs and interventions continuing past the end of World War II.