Which of the following government actions significantly increased during the Great Depression?

During the Great Depression, the federal government's response was characterized by a significant increase in activism by the federal bureaucracy. This period saw the United States grappling with unprecedented economic challenges, leading to the establishment of numerous federal programs aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform.

As unemployment soared and many citizens experienced extreme hardship, the federal bureaucracy expanded its role in the economy and social welfare. Programs like the New Deal introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt exemplify this activism, with initiatives such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Public Works Administration (PWA), and the Social Security Act developed to address the crisis. These programs were designed not only to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the economic downturn but also to facilitate long-term structural changes in the economy and society.

The increase in government involvement represented a shift from earlier approaches that favored minimal government intervention in the economy. Instead, the expansion during the Great Depression laid the groundwork for an active federal role in economic management and social welfare, which has continued to influence policy in the U.S. to the present day.

This context highlights the importance of understanding the evolution of the federal bureaucracy during pivotal historical moments, emphasizing its role in responding to national crises and shaping governmental policies for the future.