The Federal Government and Laissez-Faire Essay Example for Free

The Federal Government and Laissez-Faire Essay The period of American history from 1865 to 1900 consisted of much controversy concerning economic control. Individual enterprises fought diligently to dominate economic affairs but the government was obligated to intervene when unjust activity was apparent. It was unanimously believed, among businessmen, that the government should have very little say in economic issues, the basis for Laissez-Faire. This policy invited the rights of the public consumer to be violated. As a result of the unjust treatment by the enterprises, it was necessary for the government to step in. The Interstate Commerce Act was enacted to limit the freedom and wrongful capital gain of railways to benefit the people. The Senate passed the Sherman Antitrust Act, heavily influenced by the monopolies, to prevent trade restrictions. Freedom and independence are extremely valuable aspects in any setting but can only remain if utilized responsibly. The successful individual enterprises were determined to maintain the Laissez-Faire policy. In Document A, Amasa Walker is quoted saying, Economically, it will ever remain true, that the government is best which governs least. When the government is too involved in the economy, a great many regulations are set and the corporations become less prosperous because their effective methods are limited. A New York City merchant, Daniel Knowlton, (Document B) has a supporting opinion pertaining to the proper functions of the government. He believes the government is in place to maintain domestic tranquility, defend the people from invasion, and protect them when traveling. Every merchant and big business owner alike new theyd benefit under the Laissez-Faire policy. The Interstate Commerce Act was a major intervening action taken by the Federal government in 1887. The act prevented discrimination and promoted reasonable and just fees. The success of the railroad has been attained at the most unwarranted discriminations and its effect has been to build up the strong at the expense of the weak. as stated in Document J. This method of success had come to cease because the rich were becoming richer and the poor, poorer. Document L depicts the beneficial aspects of the Interstate Commerce Act, The act to regulate commerce was not passed to injure any interests, but to conserve and protect bringing about great and salutary  measures of improvement. The act has operated directly to increase railway earnings despite initial appearance. The Sherman Antitrust Act was the proceeding measure taken by the Feds. The Senate, being dominated by monopolists as shown in Document M, was forced to pass the act. Actions in Senate were taken in the interest of monopolies instead of the people. This is a Senate of the monopolists by the monopolists, for the monopolists. The act declared all contracts restricting trade to be illegal. This was of importance to the monopolies because trade restrictions would harm them greatly. Contemporary corporations were required to be versatile in the expanding American economy. Individual enterprises fought diligently to dominate economic affairs but the government was obligated to intervene when unjust activity was apparent. The Laissez-Faire attitude was quite popular during this time. However, problems arose when it was in affect. The government instituted the Interstate Commerce Act and the Sherman Antitrust Act to maintain a more balanced economy and make life easier for the poor. The Federal government only intervened in the economy when it was necessary to do so.