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Truman's View Of Government Intervention

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Although Truman was not able to create a universal health care system for America’s citizens during his presidency, his efforts did help to expand health care quality and access throughout the country (Schimmel, 5) and paved the way for the creation of Medicaid and Medicare during the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. With the rise of the Republican Party during the presidency of Ronald Regan, the idea of government intervention with the welfare of its citizens was challenged. Funding was cut for many social programs with much of the facilitation of these programs being transferred from the federal government to the individual states. The primary focus of this new era was on lowering taxes. Much of the argument surrounding those who were economically …show more content…

During the Roosevelt presidency, the country was faced with the economic catastrophe of the Great Depression. At this time many viewed industry and commerce as a vulnerable and faltering entity that needed support from the government. “Government action to ensure citizen welfare was widely accepted as a good and necessary thing” (Schimmel, 6). These beliefs flowed over into the Truman and Johnson eras, as many of those who experienced the Great Depression wanted to feel a continued sense of security and solidarity with others in society. With the ushering in of the 80’s the views of government intervention in social and economic issues changed due to a more stable and thriving economy. Focus changed from protecting and advancing the country and society to advancing one’s individual …show more content…

Through the provisions in this act citizens will be able to receive several benefits including: “the ban on discriminating against individuals with pre-existing conditions, government subsidies for individuals who cannot afford health care, an individual mandate requiring Americans to hold health care unless it violates their religious principles or is excessively expensive even after subsidies, a ban on lifetime limits on essential medical services, and insurance exchanges where citizens can pick amongst a variety of health plans offered by private insurers that must meet certain government criteria for quality and affordability” (Schimmel, 2). Even though this act was passed, it remains highly contested right with only five out of nine Supreme Court judges upholding its constitutionality (Schimmel,

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