Social Studies Praxis Practice Test

How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal primarily aim to address the Great Depression?

1. By reducing government regulation of businesses

2. By imposing wage and price controls to stop inflation

3. By providing funding for public-works projects

4. By lowering tariffs to encourage imports

The correct answer is: By providing funding for public-works projects

Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal was a series of programs and policies designed to address the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, with a significant focus on providing immediate relief and promoting economic recovery. The choice that indicates the primary aim of the New Deal is the provision of funding for public-works projects. This approach was crucial for several reasons. First, public-works projects created jobs for the unemployed, directly addressing the issue of widespread job loss during the Great Depression. By employing millions in construction, infrastructure, and arts projects, the New Deal aimed to restore the dignity of work and provide families with income, which in turn spurred consumer spending. Additionally, these projects laid the groundwork for long-term economic improvement by enhancing the nation's infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and airports, which would support economic activity for years to come. Programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) exemplified the New Deal's commitment to massive public investment aimed at revitalizing the economy and providing support to those in need. In contrast, reducing government regulation of businesses would not have aligned with the New Deal's goals, as Roosevelt sought to increase oversight to stabilize the economy. Imposing wage and price controls would