Changing Role of the Federal Government

Federal Government

The Changing Role of the Federal Government

The federal government has changed dramatically from its 18th century origins, and the writing of the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States. The role of government has grown tremendously, as the concerns of the citizens grew to expect certain labor and health protections from the government. Also, the threats to American democracy and interests in the world have necessitated a greater role of security and military than ever imagined by the founding fathers. The economic power of American business has meant that the federal government has had to enlarge its financial institution safeguards, as well as the role of American currency and the Federal Reserve have changed over time as well.

The Great Depression was a financial shock to the United States that nearly destroyed the entire economic system, if not for a few important individuals. The first was an English economist by the name of John Maynard Keynes, who believed that government spending was necessary in a recession for a stable recovery, because if a government spends less during a depression, then the economy will only shrink further. (Blinder, 2008) Second is U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who won four Presidential elections, and shaped American politics during the Great Depression in order to stabilize the country, restore confidence in banks, reduce corruption, and build infrastructure that would be crucial in the new world.

World War II was another shock in American history that changed the way the country arranged its government priorities. The war was the largest in American history in terms of expense, and the postwar resolutions implemented in Europe meant that America went even further into debt. This course of action was seen as crucial, however, because it created a period of peace in Europe that has lasted to this day, and linked the world's economies together in a liberal institution-building period. The United Nations was created after the war, and America had entered the Cold War with the U.S.S.R. At a time when American power was at its greatest. It is in these years that agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency was created, in order to spy on foreign governments that threatened American interests abroad. Also, great organizations like NASA was created to expand American influence in outer space, and to study the mysteries of the universe. (NASA, 2008) The Cold War also increases the U.S. Government's investment in propaganda against Communism.