Question

President Theodore Roosevelt promoted a program called the Square Deal to protect the interests of small business owners and the poor.

A) True
B) False

Answer 1

A) True. President Theodore Roosevelt did indeed promote a program called the Square Deal. The Square Deal aimed to protect the interests of small business owners and the poor by advocating for fair regulations, consumer protection, and conservation of natural resources. Roosevelt believed in a balanced approach that would benefit both labor and capital. The Square Deal was part of his broader progressive agenda to address social and economic issues during his presidency.

Answer 2

Theodore Roosevelt's Square Deal was a progressive program aimed at protecting public interests through federal oversight of corporations, consumer protection, and environmental conservation, marking a significant step in the governmental role of regulation and welfare.

Step-by-step explanation:

President Theodore Roosevelt's Square Deal represented his commitment to using the power of the federal government as a steward to protect the interests of the public. The Square Deal's main components were often referred to as the three C's: control of corporations, consumer protection, and conservation. Control of corporations was demonstrated through actions against trusts that harmed public interests. Consumer protection was seen in legislation such as the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act, ensuring that food and drugs were labeled and safe. Lastly, conservation efforts highlighted Roosevelt's commitment to preserving natural resources for future generations.

Roosevelt's approach to governance was progressive and in stark contrast to previous administrations that were more conservative and pro-business. His reforms and regulatory measures on businesses were pivotal in reshaping the relationship between the government, corporations, and the public. This transformative perspective was carried into his campaign of New Nationalism and contrasted with his opponents like Alton B. Parker and later William Howard Taft, whom Roosevelt hand-picked as a successor with the assurance of continuing his progressive policies.