They have been changing the federal government in American history since 1865.
Progressive Era and Industrialization. `
Key Issues: Fast industrialization in the late 19th century brought about circumstances like the rise of monopolies, labor exploitation, urbanization concerns, health issues, and trust.
Federal Response: The federal government enacted various reforms in response to these various challenges. The Sherman Act of 1890 aimed to curb the power of monopolistic corporations. Reforms in Lands included the Fair Labor Standards Act and the establishment of the Department of Labor, whose main aim was to improve the working conditions and regulate the working hours. Consumer protection laws included the Pure Food and Drug Act in addressing public health concerns to facilitate safety in labeling food and drugs (Cortada,2016). Various regulations, such as the Interstate Commerce Commission, were implemented to oversee industries like Transportation.
Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s)
Key issues: This movement was formed to address the segregation, discrimination, and suppression of voters, especially in Southern States.
Federal Response: The federal government was able to intervene with a landmark civil rights that included the legislation which is in Civil Rights Act of 1964, which addressed issues of discrimination based on various dynamics such as sex, religion, color, race, right to vote, and national origin of 1965 which had a target to be able to combat suppression of voters with issues of poll taxes and the test of literacy (Chesek, Kimelewski, et al.,2021). Additionally, federal court decisions, such as the Brown Board of Education (1954), could declare the state law by enforcing racial segregation, which was unconstitutional, thus paving the way for the desegregation of public schools and institutions.
Modern Challenges (Late 20th Century –present);
Thematic Issues: The contemporary issues include terrorism, globalization, access to healthcare, and the sustainability of the environment.
Federal Response: The response to this dynamic was through the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), which aimed to expand access to healthcare and regulate industry insurance. The Patriot Act was enacted in response to the 9/11 attacks by terrorism and the expansion of the federal government. Regulation of environmental aspects like the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act sought to address pollution issues in promoting sustainability. Besides, international agreements, such as climate change agreements, saw federal efforts to address the challenges faced by global citizens (Béland & Lecours, 2014).
Word War II and Post–War Period (1940s-1950)
Thematic Concern: World War II necessitated the subtotal efforts of war by challenging the transitioning and an economy, peacetime, which addressed the veterans’ needs and return.
Federal Response: The federal government was vital in mobilizing the economy during the war. This included the Rationing of materials and goods. Post-war initiatives like the GI Bill could be provided, which fostered education, employment benefits, and housing for returning veterans, which contributed to economic growth. The federal government was able to Spearhead efforts such as the Marshall Plan that aided in the reconstruction of war–torn Europe and the establishment of the United Nations to enhance international cooperation and peace.
Great Depression and New Deal (1930)
Thematic Concern: The Great Depression 1930 brought widespread economic despair and poverty, highlighting the need for intervention.
Federal Response: President Franklin Roosevelt’s idea was to introduce a series of federal government addressing federal programs that facilitated recovery, providing relief and reform. The relief programs included the conservation of the Civilian Corps and work progress by being able to provide employment opportunities. The recovery efforts included the stabilization of the banking system and the stimulation of economic activity. Reforms like the Social Security Act aimed to provide long-term financial support for the retired and disabled.
What was disabled, which enabled change in the government agenda and movements and programs initiated to deal with the circumstance?
The changes in the role of the government in American history were brought about by a combination of external and internal circumstances, which were accompanied by pressure in society, political movements, and various crises. These are the circumstances that influenced the changes (Na,2015).
Economic Crisis and Social Inequality:
Circumstances: Periods like the downturn of the economy and the Great Depression were able to highlight the social inequality and the inadequacy of the existing government policies.
Programs and Movements: During this Great Depression, President Roosevelt introduced programs like the Civilians Conservation Corps and the Work Progress Administration that could make employment provisions and stimulate economic recovery. This initiative addressed unemployment, lack of social safety nets, and poverty.
Labor Exploitation and Unrest
Circumstances: Labor exploitation, worker unrest, and unsafe conditions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries highlight the need for government intervention to intervene and protect workers’ rights (Staggenborg,2016).
Programs and Movements: The labor movements were able to advocate reforms such as the start of minimum wages that limited the working hours and the rights towards collective bargaining. The federal government was able to respond by legislation that included the Fair Labor Standard Act (1938), which was able to establish the minimum wages and payment on overtime standards, and the National Labor Relation Act (1935), which was able to give protection for workers’ rights by organizing and bargaining collectively.
Technological, social changes and advancement
Circumstances
The technological advancement, shifts in demographics, and evolving societal norms necessitated the response by the government to address new opportunities and challenges.
Programs and Movements
Towards responding to demographic changes and social needs, Medicare and Medicaid were formed in the 1960s to provide healthcare for older people of low income. On the other hand, the advancement of technology and the development of the internet raised a debate on privacy regulation and private rights on digital platforms, raising concern about initiatives including the Children’s Online Privacy Act.
Environmental Degradation and Public Health Crises
Circumstances: Environmental degradation and pollution and the public’s health raised concerns about the need for the government to regulate and intervene in protecting the public environment and health.
Programs and Movements
The movements of the 1960s and 1970 had an ideal in creating landmark legislation such as the Clean Air Act (1970) and Clean Water Act (1972). The aim was to regulate pollution and protect natural resources. Moreover, establishing agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enabled enforcement and oversight of environmental regulation.
National Security Concerns and Global Conflicts
Circumstances: The Cold War and the World War brought about national security threats and the federal government’s need to expand its significant role in intelligence and defense.
Programs and Movements
During World War II, the federal government could mobilize the economy by establishing agencies, including the War Production Board, to coordinate reproduction productions. During the Cold War era, the government was able to expand the intelligence that was able to enact the engagement with the military intervention and to be able to contain the spread of Communism.
Civil Right struggles
Circumstances: The widespread segregation and discrimination in the United States prompted the civil rights movements, which challenged the status quo of the government’s demand for intervention.
Programs and movements
The civic movements of the 1950s and 1960 were able to lead to remarkable legislation in the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This law turned off segregation and protected the right to vote. Nevertheless, Martin Luther King Jr. led the movement through organizations like NAACP that advocated for racial justice and equality.
Circumstances resulted in changes in the government’s role, and movements and programs were initiated to deal with these circumstances.
The change in the role of the federal government in America’s history of 1965 has been influenced by many circumstances: social movements, the upheaval of the economy, the advancement of technology, global conflicts, and the dynamic shift of political ideology. Government intervention often necessitates these various circumstances and is addressed by the pressing challenges to meet the evolving needs of society. Below are the vital circumstances that brought ranges to the government movement program that created this deal (Birkland, 2017).
Environmental movements: The environmental movement in the 20th century has responded to a growing concern about habitat destruction, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. The federal government responded by enacting environmental legislation such as the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Agencies like ecological protection were created to regulate and enforce the environment’s security.
World War II: This circumstance required government mobilization to support the war effort and ensure national security. The federal government was able to assume control of various aspects of the economy through multiple measures of the economy such as Rationing, control of prices, and the allocation of resources to military products; additionally, programs like the GI Bill that were provided to benefit the veterans by educating, housing and giving them healthcare services.
Post–Civil War Reconstruction: This was done by reconstructing the nation immediately after the Civil War to secure the newly freed slaves. Reconstruction Amendments (the 13th,14th, and 15th) were made to abolish slavery, provide equal protection, grant citizenship, and ensure voting rights for African Americans. Moreover, the Freedmen’s Bureau established and assisted formerly enslaved individuals and oversaw the transition from slavery to freedom.
Advancement in Globalization and Technology: Advancements in globalization and technology and hastened technological advancement in the late 20th and the very centuries could present new challenges and opportunities for government intervention. Issues like international trade, intervention by the government cyber securities, and the intellectual right to property had to be spearheaded by government oversight and regulations, besides programs like the Affordable Care Act, in addressing modern healthcare access and delivery.
Great Depression: The economic collapse in the 1930s brought about the great depression. The government had to come into place to provide relief for millions of Americans suffering from poverty, unemployment, and homelessness—President Roosevelt’s initiative aimed to promote economic recovery and financial reform that provided welfare programs. Critical New ideal program was to enhance the Civilian Conservation Corps and Social Security Administration.
American people’s view on the government and where we are currently regarding the subject.
The American people’s view of the government as diverse and multifaceted across history has shaped various things, including historical events and social economics. The Americans have expressed their confidence and trust in the government on social issues and promoting public welfare. However, trust in the government has evolved and fluctuated due to the prevailing political climates, policy outcomes, and the perception of leadership (Davies,2015).
Current Landscape: In contemporary America, the government has remained deeply and usually influenced by individuals’ and media narratives’ partisan affiliation and experience. America has expressed optimism about the potential of government to address struggles like healthcare access and economic inequality; hence, remaining skeptical, others remain doubtful. However, problems like depression And debate on matters of criminal justice reforms regard the government’s scope and action priorities.
Crisis and Resilience: Times like natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and health emergencies can significantly influence public perception of the government government’s effectiveness and responsiveness. While crises may initially lead to Criticism and government scrutiny of others, crisis management can effort facilitate public confidence, mostly in government institutions on leadership where, for example, COVID-19 has been a focal point with various assessments of government’s performance across the local levels, federal and in the state.
Trust and Confidence: The people of America have demonstrated a high level of trust and confidence in their government in most instances during national unity in various responses to the government. For example, under President Franklin Roosevelt, there was widespread support for government intervention in combating the Great Depression and implementing social welfare programs. Effective crisis management has bolstered public trust in most institutions of government and leadership.
Skepticism and Criticism: There have been periods when there has been Criticism and skepticism towards the government, resulting from economic downturns, scandals, political scandals, and governmental overreach. For example 1970, the public eroded trust in government institutions and overreach. Thus leading to scrutiny and accountability demands. Additionally, there have been debates on various issues like privacy rights and the expansion of executive power, which has sparked concerns about the effect of the erosion of democratic norms and the principles of the Constitution.
Partisan Divide: The views of the American people towards the government have been influenced by the affiliation of ideological differences. The political portion, which has been done in decade 40, where the democrats and the Republicans have been having them hold a different view of the role of government, should be okay. The partisan can dive into the public-shaped government perception and government, hence, pose an altitude faced by various perception primes and government performance (Drucker,2023).
References
Cortada, J. W. (2016). All the facts: a history of information in the United States since 1870. Oxford University Press.
Chesek, A., Black, J. M., Austin, A. W., & Kimelewski, M. K. (2021). HIS 104: United States History Since 1865 Discussion Questions.
Béland, D., & Lecours, A. (2014). Fiscal federalism and American exceptionalism: Why is there no federal equalization system in the United States? Journal of Public Policy, 34(2), 303-329.
Na, N. (2015). An American Crisis: Congress & Reconstruction 1865-1867. Springer.
Davies, W. (2015). The happiness industry: How the government and big business sold us well-being. Verso books.
Drucker, P. (2023). Landmarks of Tomorrow: a report on the new post-modern world. Routledge.
Birkland, T. A. (2017). Agenda setting in public policy. In Handbook of public policy analysis (pp. 89–104). Routledge.
Staggenborg, S. (2016). Social movements. Oxford University Press, USA.
write