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To: BroJoeK
In 1861 Unionists did not support "an overweening federal government", they simply opposed the Slave-holders unilateral, unjustified declarations of secession, and their declaration of war on the United States.

All our current "overweening federal government" began about 100 years ago, with the Progressive era passage of 16th and 17th Amendments.

I agree, in part, with what you stated, above: The "progressive" era really began--well, if not 100 years ago, then about 80 years ago, with the Depressian-era reforms instituted by FDR. (True, Teddy Roosevelt--about 100 years ago--did style himself a "progressive"; but it was his fifth cousin, Franklin, who really set us on a path toward Big Government.)

438 posted on 03/13/2013 2:49:00 PM PDT by AmericanExceptionalist (Democrats believe in discussing the full spectrum of ideas, all the way from far left to center-left)
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To: AmericanExceptionalist
AmericanExceptionalist: "I agree, in part, with what you stated, above: The "progressive" era really began--well, if not 100 years ago, then about 80 years ago, with the Depressian-era reforms instituted by FDR.
(True, Teddy Roosevelt--about 100 years ago--did style himself a "progressive"; but it was his fifth cousin, Franklin, who really set us on a path toward Big Government.)"

Normally I'd stop with your words "I agree", and let it go with that, especially since the thrust of your comment is correct -- our current "Progressive Era" really got off the ground in FDR's New Deal.

But that would not have been possible without groundwork laid during the Wilson administration, 1912 to 1920, a hundred years ago -- the three major tools being the 16th & 17th Amendments, plus the Federal Reserve.

Yes, Teddy Roosevelt's administration (1901 - 1909) also gets a "fair share" of criticism.
However, when it comes to "Progressivism" as we understand it today, TR was the opposite of "talk softly, but carry a big stick".

Bottom line: except when paying for wars, the US Federal Government consumed roughly 2.5% of GDP from the administration of George Washington until the beginning of Woodrow Wilson's.
Then, as a gusher of revenues from the 16th Amendment arrived, the government began to grow, and has never looked back since.
Last time I checked it is around 24% and still growing.

448 posted on 03/14/2013 3:33:29 AM PDT by BroJoeK (a little historical perspective....)
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