How did the New Deal and the Great Society change the role of the federal government?

It increased the role of the federal government in managing people's lives by introducing welfare

The Great Society was the phrase coined by the Johnson Administration. It was the butter form of guns and butter which is also a slogan that he used. In its barest form, the Great Society was meant to fight poverty and racial injustice. It was a domestic policy. The Federal government was expanding its powers to create programs that really were not in the Constitution.

It changed society because the question of racial tensions and poverty were being attacked. Johnson/Kennedy were very concerned that even with the New Deal, there were still many Americans living below the poverty level. The depression had not left some segments of society. The civil rights movement could breathe in the air of the Great Society. It never could before. It was the first time that government had really taken these issues seriously. The numbers employed by the Federal Government in these reforms increased dramatically.

In short

Civil Rights were addressed. Employment increased. Poverty was addressed. Money was spent. The Debt increased.

The New Deal was the first legislation that allowed government to spend tax money to create employment by expanding in

arts youth employment in the national forests. Roads and bridges were created or upgraded Employment was created for those willing to work. Most important of all the Tennessee Valley project provided power for many states around Tennessee.

FDR was a far sighted politician who saw America suffering and did something about it.