Although the United States is known as a capitalist regime, the truth is that the federal government takes a firm hand in regulating and guiding it. Everything from our economic system to the environment, to social and educational programs, bears the imprint of governmental influence. This is not to say we are a society under government control, but regulation is necessary to keep a nation from plunging into utter chaos. Since the Great Depression of the 1930s, the government has intervened quite heavily in certain sectors of the economy to ensure that all citizens have access to equitable gains. It was these measures that led us away from a purely capitalist economy to the mixed economy we know today. It may sound contrary, but a free enterprise system …show more content…
In matters of public health, the government also takes an active role. An example is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This agency serves to protect the public by banning harmful drugs, and requiring standards in food safety. There are those who argue that governmental regulations interfere in the free enterprise system. They opine that it increases the cost of doing business and contributes to inflation. I believe this is a case of “To whom much is given, much is expected”. As Americans, our private property rights are protected, we are entitled to self-interest (allowing us to pursue that which benefits ourselves and our families), freedom of choice, and competition is encouraged in the free marketplace. In exchange for these freedoms there is regulation and control to ensure safety and a good quality of living. This leads me to the environment which is a subject that all of