Final answer:
The New Deal helped American consumers through the implementation of social programs designed to provide economic relief, restore confidence in the banking system, and establish a social safety net. These programs included the Works Progress Administration, Civilian Conservation Corps, FDIC, and Social Security, symbolizing a significant expansion of the federal government's role in the economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The New Deal provided relief to American consumers by implementing social programs. It expanded the government's role during the Great Depression of the 1930s with initiatives like the Works Progress Administration, Civilian Conservation Corps, and the Home Owners' Loan Corporation to tackle unemployment and mortgage debts. Moreover, the New Deal established long-lasting programs such as Social Security and set the precedent for later additions like Medicaid and Medicare. These programs were designed to ensure a minimal standard of living and support to citizens during hard economic times. Programs like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) also helped restore faith in the banking system by ensuring depositors' money was safe.
The New Deal marked a significant change in the perception of government's role in society and the economy, moving towards the notion of a welfare state where the government is responsible for the economic security of its citizens. This shift included accepting deficit spending to finance government programs, leading to an increase in national debt but also enhancing quality of life for many Americans.