New Deal policies

Definition

New Deal policies refer to a series of programs and reforms implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy and society. These policies reshaped the role of the federal government, expanding its influence and responsibilities in economic and social matters, which is evident in how power is shared between state and national governments, how bureaucracies function, and how citizens view government involvement in their lives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Deal consisted of a series of programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) aimed at providing immediate relief to those affected by the Great Depression.
2. The New Deal fundamentally changed the relationship between the federal government and American citizens by establishing the precedent that the government should play a significant role in economic management and social welfare.
3. One of the major outcomes of New Deal policies was the establishment of regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to oversee financial markets and protect investors.
4. New Deal policies faced opposition from both conservatives who believed it expanded government too much, and liberals who felt it didn't go far enough to address systemic inequality.
5. The impact of New Deal policies is still evident today in various social programs, labor laws, and financial regulations that govern the American economy.

Review Questions

• How did New Deal policies demonstrate a shift in federalism in the United States?
  • New Deal policies illustrated a shift towards a more active federal government in addressing economic issues, moving away from a traditional state-centric approach. This change allowed the federal government to take on roles that were previously handled by states, such as providing direct relief to citizens and regulating financial markets. The expansion of federal programs under the New Deal highlighted how federalism evolved during a crisis, leading to an increase in national authority over local matters.
• What role did the New Deal play in expanding presidential power during Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration?
  • The New Deal significantly expanded presidential power by allowing Roosevelt to implement sweeping reforms without waiting for congressional approval on every detail. Through executive orders and emergency powers, he was able to create new agencies and programs quickly, effectively consolidating power in the executive branch. This set a precedent for future presidents to utilize similar strategies during times of national crisis, thereby reshaping expectations of presidential authority.
• Evaluate how New Deal policies influenced American attitudes toward government involvement in economic issues and societal welfare.
  • New Deal policies transformed American attitudes by fostering an expectation that the government should actively intervene in economic affairs to ensure stability and support citizens in need. As these programs successfully alleviated some hardships of the Great Depression, many Americans began to view government action as essential for economic recovery and social justice. This shift contributed to long-term changes in political ideology, with more citizens supporting expansive governmental roles in regulating the economy and providing social safety nets, influencing subsequent generations' perspectives on government intervention.

Related terms

Social Security Act:

A 1935 law that established a system of old-age benefits for workers, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent mothers and children.

WPA (Works Progress Administration): A New Deal agency that provided jobs for millions of unemployed Americans through public works projects during the Great Depression.

Keynesian Economics:

An economic theory advocating for increased government expenditures and lower taxes to stimulate demand and pull the global economy out of depression.