Question

How did the federal government change after the Civil War?


It grew smaller as power was given back to the states.


It more directly influenced the everyday lives of Americans.


It encouraged regional and sectional differences.


It was no longer founded on the Constitution.

Answer 1

After the Civil War, the federal government more directly influenced the everyday lives of Americans. This change was largely due to the Reconstruction era and the subsequent amendments that expanded federal power and civil rights protections, such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. The federal government took a more active role in issues such as civil rights, education, and economic development, particularly in the Southern states. While there were debates about the balance of power between the federal government and the states, the overall trend was toward an increased federal presence in American life.