The federal government of the United States has great power. Its position in a social system is very influential. However, it has a long history of development. Several events played a key role in the establishment of this system. The main goal of this paper is to demonstrate how different policies and programs ensured the growth of the federal government, underlining its involvement in world affairs and the domestic economy.
The National Defense Education Act (NDEA) was signed by President Eisenhower in 1958. This act was aimed at improving the quality of education in schools, colleges, and universities (Hunt). The purpose of this law was to change educational strategies and methods to establish a system that could meet “the demands posed by national security needs” (Hunt). The scientific and technological accomplishments of the Soviet Union threatened the security of the United States. The NDEA was the important educational reform that gave way to further development of this system. The federal government strengthened its position due to deep involvement in the education process. Public schools were widely criticized at the time. However, after the launching of Sputnik, the necessity of changes became unquestionable. President Eisenhower encouraged the federal government to establish a more effective educational system that could compete with new engineering advances of the USSR. The development of the military-industrial complex also depended on the successful implementation of this reform.
The National Interstate and Defense Highway Act of 1956 was designed to create a system of highways across the United States. The process of the development of road infrastructure began in the ’30s (“National Interstate”). It was initiated by President Franklin Roosevelt who wanted to improve the situation related to a high level of unemployment during the period of the Great Depression. The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1938 ensured the growth of the Bureau of Public Roads that had to develop a new highway network. However, the Second World War prevented the implementation of this plan. After the end of the war, large investments in this area resulted in the construction of 6,500 miles of interstate highways.
The Great Depression caused a serious economic decline, and certain measures were taken to overcome it. The New Deal program included several federal policies and reforms that were established in the 1930s (“New Deal”). These programs aimed at supporting citizens. These changes positively affected the agricultural sector, the banking industry, and the monetary system. One of the achievements of the New Deal was the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA). FERA’s strategies allowed reducing unemployment rates. This administration created new occupations for unskilled workers. Also, it assisted in the development of infrastructure across the United States. The National Recovery Administration agency was established by Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s. This agency regulated relationships between different industries and the states’ governments. It set the level of wages and prices. Another part of the New Deal was the Public Works Administration. This agency also aimed at decreasing the level of unemployment. However, it helped to hire people in the construction industry. Although such measures improved the national economy, it increased the power of the federal government as well.
In conclusion, the history of the development of the federal government includes various aspects. Its involvement in domestic and global policies had a significant effect on its position in a social structure. It is deeply engaged in all processes in the country’s life. Therefore, the prosperity and stability of the United States is a result of effective governance and political reforms.
Works Cited
Hunt, Thomas. “National Defense Education Act (NDEA).” Encyclopedia Britannica. Web.
“National Interstate and Defense Highways Act (1956).”Our Documents, Web.
“New Deal.”Encyclopedia Britannica, Web.