Final answer:
A surge in military spending is the least likely government policy to increase the standard of living in the United States, as it is more focused on defense rather than improving domestic productivity and well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
Of the options provided regarding government policies that are least likely to increase the standard of living in the United States, a surge in military spending is the least likely to directly contribute to an increase in the standard of living for the general population. While investments in education and skills training for workers (option a), raising the minimum wage paid to workers (option b), investment in tools and capital for workers (option c), and investment in technology (option d) are all policies aimed at improving economic output and living standards, a surge in military spending (option b) does not have a direct effect on the standard of living of citizens as it is primarily focused on defense and national security rather than domestic well-being and productivity.