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The War on Crime: The 1930s and the New Deal

American History Hit

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History Shapes Policy: Understanding the Roots of Federal Action

The relationship between drug policy and firearms policy illustrates the complexity of American constitutional principles, as both are influenced by historical contexts. The expansion of the federal government during the 1914 Harrison Narcotic Act and subsequent actions in the 1930s were direct responses to social issues like the Great Depression and the challenges of Prohibition, establishing foundational changes in American life. This historical framework shows that perceptions of federal overreach often overlook the origins of these policies, which were designed to address pressing social problems rather than representing an unaccountable government. Recognizing this context is essential for grasping the current political discourse surrounding federal authority.

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