The New Deal was a plan designed for three purposes, relief, recovery, and reform. Actions of Roosevelt's administration set precedents for future presidents and proved that the Constitution could be adapted to solve the problems of a more modern era. Much of the New Deal legislation passed in the 1930s is still in effect today. The efforts made by the Republicans to end the Great Depression before Roosevelt was elected, proved that it was time for a change; the old ways of Social Darwinism and lassiez-faire economics had proved ineffective. The changes the New Deal made to the U.S. government were indeed for the better.
             Being a Republican, Hoover was a firm believer of Social Darwinism and lassiez-faire economics. He felt the government should not be directly involved in the lives of the people; it was the responsibility of the people to solve their own problems. Although he attempted to help the country rise out of depression during the second half of his term, he did not do enough. By refusing to give direct relief, people were starving and children were dying. It would take Roosevelt and his New Deal to lift the people's spirits and regain their confidence in the government. Unlike Hoover, Roosevelt did not object to direct relief; he was willing to do whatever was necessary to strengthen the American economy. He placed more power in the hands of the federal government to control big business, and realized the need for the government to help those who could not help themselves.
             The New Deal focused on three R's, relief, recovery, and reform. Although reform was not Roosevelt's first priority, it is evident today that his efforts to prevent another disastrous depression have paid off. The country has yet to face another depression of such size. He placed regulations on the stock market to prevent the over-speculation that had led to the Great Crash of 1929. He was also giving the federal government a new role; ...