Final answer:
The term 'laissez faire' refers to a (option 3) hands-off approach by the government in economic matters, which was initially favored by President Hoover. Over time, however, he did implement limited federal relief measures. President Roosevelt's New Deal marked a distinct move away from laissez-faire to more substantial government intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "laissez faire" most likely means a hands-off approach where the government is not very involved in the economy. This philosophy is characterized by the belief that the economy functions best when it is left to operate without significant government intervention.
President Herbert Hoover was at first reluctant to involve the government too directly in the American economy, preferring to stick to his principles of "American individualism." However, facing the Great Depression, he eventually established some federal relief programs, albeit limited in scope, like the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC).
Contrastingly, President Franklin D. Roosevelt embraced a different doctrine during the Great Depression, with his New Deal representing a considerable shift in economic policy towards greater government intervention and assistance.