To what extent did the great depression catalyze important changes in americans’ perceptions of themselves, their national identity, and the role of their government? what evidence of these shifts can you find in the politics and values of our own times?

The Great Depression caused a devastation in social indicators, led to a decline in income and employment, and caused a deflationary process. The population that experienced the Great Depression called for changes that reversed the precariousness of the conditions of reproduction of life in the USA.

The human being has in his nature the tendency to crowd and help one another in situations of risk and calamity. The Great Depression awakened in Americans a sense of frustration and hope of reversing the bad situation. This was reflective in the election of Franklin Rosevelt, who promised a recovery plan, not only economic, but also social - through specific social policies. For example, the concept and establishment of social security for the elderly emerged, an achievement that highlights the importance of state action in social public policies. Since then, public policy for social benefit has become a value of the State and the population, which now requires greater transparency and direction in public spending.

the articles of confederation only set up the continental congress at the federal level. there were no executive or judicial branches except within the states. the states were allowed to keep every right that was not specifically given to congress. the bonding of the states was through a 'firm league of friendship' that best served as a defense agreement against invasion. states were not allowed to use taxes as a way to discourage treaties, and states were extremely limited in their dealings with foreign nations.

not many historians today talk about the strengths of the articles of confederation, likely because of how unpopular the document quickly became. the articles did set the legislative body, congress, as the highest power in the nation because of the fear of monarchy. congress had the sole power to declare war, assign treaties, entertain foreign relations, and operate post offices. disputes between states and territorial issues were to be brought to congress. the document also stipulated that canada was allowed to enter the union if they desired.

there were more weaknesses than strengths under the articles of confederation. the lack of power given to the continental congress strangled the federal government. the articles gave congress the power to pass laws but no power to enforce those laws. if a state did not support a federal law, that state could simply ignore it. congress had no power to levy taxes or regulate trade. without a federal court system or executive leader, there would be no way to enforce these laws, either. amending the articles of confederation would also require a unanimous decision, which would be extremely difficult.

c would be the correct !

hope this !

~bbgluver