The Federal Government and the Economy, 1789-1877

Between 1789 and 1877, Americans argued about how far the national government should go in promoting economic growth, through banking, tariffs, roads and canals, railroads, and the sale or grant of western land.

Evaluate the extent to which the role of the federal government in the economy changed between 1789 and 1877.

Your response may focus on any development(s) in the federal government's role in the economy during the period 1789 to 1877. You are not expected to address the entire time period in your response.