I. The Role of the Federal Government Expands A. Fed. gov't. becomes known as "THE government" B. Fed. gov't now plays larger role in the economy: 1. used to be "laissez faire" - leave economy alone 2. now gov't responsible for creating economic growth: a. start new public works projects b. create new jobs c. spend money to get businesses going again d. "pump priming" 3. fed. gov't is now a bigger regulator of the economy a. laws to govern businesses and industry * child labor laws, worker's comp laws * gov't sets minimum wage b. gov't more involved in regulating banking and lending 4. helpful in preventing depressions or harmful interference? II. The Federal Government Creates a "Welfare State" A. welfare state - government that assumes responsibility for providing for welfare of poor, children, elderly, sick, disabled, unemployed 1. "We are going to create a country in which no one gets left out." --- quote by FDR

B. Before FDR, most Americans did not receive direct benefits from fed. gov't. 1. only military veterans received benefits for service 2. struggling Americans relied on local charities and families to help them through tough times C. Today fed. gov't provides aid to many considered to be at a "disadvantage" D. Arguments for: 1. gov't can help make life more fair 2. gov't should assume responsibility for well-being of its citizens E. Arguments against: 1. takes away individual freedom and initiative 2. leads to heavier burden on taxpayers III. The Nature of the Presidency was Changed A. Pres. and Executive Branch of Government Gained Much Power 1. new exec. organizations created w/little supervision from Congress a. this gave the Pres. more influence 2. FDR successful in convincing Congress to push through many policies a. blueprint for future Presidents B. Style of Presidency would change: 1. FDR was a great "communicator" a. very good on the radio b. very good at handling the media 2. future Presidents would have to be good communicators also

C. FDR would expand powers of Presidency even more during WWII 1. ended up being elected to 4 terms a. broke an unwritten rule that Pres. would only serve 2 terms nd Amendment ratified that limited Pres. to 2 terms