You've seen many different perspectives on what role the US government should play in people's lives. Generally, in the Progressive Era, government favored fighting the evils of big business to the benefit of the people at large, while in the 1920s government tended to favor the industrial side of business, sometimes to the detriment of the agricultural industry. The prosperity that resulted was dramatic, as was the crash that led to the Great Depression. You've probably noticed that issues related to the role of government recur in history and in our lives. In what ways and in what circumstances is it beneficial for the government to be involved in Americans' lives? When and how is it detrimental?

Discuss at least two of the following aspects of American life in your responses.

the financial industry energy and the environment education healthcare
campaign financing technological development media food and drugs