Final answer:
The bureaucracy of American government today largely stems from expansions during the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement, which led to the emergence of various federal programs and regulatory agencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bureaucracy of American government today is largely a product of two significant historical periods that saw considerable expansion of the federal bureaucracy. These periods are identified as the 1930s, during the Great Depression, and the 1960s, throughout the Civil Rights Movement. The New Deal programs during the Great Depression, initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, led to the creation of many government agencies and regulatory bodies. Similarly, during the Civil Rights Movement, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, further expansion occurred with the establishment of additional federal programs and agencies designed to address social issues and promote equality.
The correct answer to the question, therefore, is B) The Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement.