The New Deal changed the role of the federal government in people's lives.
In 3–5 sentences, evaluate whether this was a positive or negative change. Describe 2–3 New Deal programs that were effective or ineffective to support your evaluation.
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The change brought by the New Deal in the role of the federal government in people's lives can be seen as both positive and negative, depending on one's perspective. On one hand, the New Deal brought about significant social and economic reforms that provided relief and support to millions of Americans during the Great Depression. Programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) helped create jobs, while Social Security provided a safety net for the elderly. On the other hand, critics argue that the New Deal led to an expansion of federal power, with some programs being ineffective or leading to unintended consequences. The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), for example, aimed to stabilize crop prices but ended up reducing agricultural production and increasing food costs for consumers. Similarly, the National Recovery Administration (NRA) was criticized for its complex regulations and for stifling competition. Overall, the evaluation of the New Deal's impact on the role of the federal government depends on weighing its positive achievements against its potential negative consequences.
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