Essay On Party Polarization

Historians have claimed time and time again that “history does not repeat, but it rhymes.” From 1865-2000 one of the most recurring themes throughout history has been the issue concerning the proper role of the federal government. Over many years, the ideas on the appropriate role of the federal government has shifted as the country we live in has become more and more polarized. One's opinions about the proper role of the federal government usually depends profoundly on the political party one associates themselves with. Slowly but surely, the United States has been overwhelmed by party polarization impacting the views held about the proper role of the federal government in citizens’ lives. Specific events in the history of the United States
Forms of industry began to appear across the country and citizens were advocating for a laissez-faire style in the industries, but with poverty rates rising quickly, the government was forced to intervene for the well being of all people. William Graham Sumner supported the Laissez-Faire ideals. On government intervention in industry he said, “[It] may be said that those whom humanitarians and philanthropists call the weak are the ones through whom the productive and conservative forces of society are wasted.” Industrialists alike, felt that assisting the poor would only bring the entire economy down instead of everyone benefiting. Andrew Carnegie is an example of a figure in history who supported laissez-faire government action, since he was in the wealthy class he was benefiting greatly. On the other end of the spectrum, Henry Demarest Lloyd wrote “When this solidification of many into one has been reached, we shall be at last face to face with the naked truth that it is not only the form but the fact of arbitrary power, of control without consent, of rule without representation that concerns us.” Lester Frank Ward, another individualist who wrote the book Dynamic Sociology, argued that what the people “really need is more government in its primary sense, greater protection from the rapacity of the favored few.” The big question everyone wants answered is
Looking for change, Americans voted Franklin D. Roosevelt into office in 1933. During his presidency the role of the government once again held a large role in debates across the country. In his inaugural address, Roosevelt himself says, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” In hopes to restore the trust in the government in the eyes of the U.S. population Roosevelt began to perform fireside chats in order to inform the people of the steps the government was taking. With growing favoritism for government involvement, Roosevelt therefore implemented his New Deal. The New Deal, just as any other attempted government regulations had supporters and critics. Roosevelt found himself in a tough situation given he had critics on the left and on the right. The left was unsure that Roosevelt had been radical enough in his practices in his New Deal practices, while on the right conservatives were disapproving of the large amount of government spending. Roosevelt used his fireside chats wisely in order to ease conflict from both sides. During a chat in May of 1933, Roosevelt shared his views on his intentions of president. “I have no expectation of making a hit every time I—to bat. What I seek is the highest possible batting average, not only for myself, but for the team.” This line from Roosevelt exemplifies the optimism he held in the face of the public in order