Innovation Assessments: Social Studies

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Would You Have Voted in 1932?

Answer based on your beliefs. These questions center on depression-era choices about relief, business, labor, and the role of government.

The scoring model compares your responses with the major ideas and coalitions active in that election year.

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Quick Format

12 plain-language questions tied to the major values and tensions of 1932.

Result Style

You will get an era-position score plus a likely party, region, and candidate match for that election.

Saving

Progress only saves when a logged-in student opens the survey through a teacher class link.

1. During a severe economic depression, what should the federal government do first?

Launch large public relief and jobs programs right away. Offer some aid, but keep the response limited and temporary. Leave most recovery work to states, charities, and private business.

2. Should the federal government spend heavily on public works even if it increases deficits?

Yes, jobs and recovery matter more than a balanced budget right now. Some public works are fine, but deficits should stay limited. No, balancing the budget should come first.

3. How much should Washington regulate banks and the stock market after a crash?

Much more strongly, to prevent another collapse. Increase oversight some, but do not overcorrect. Keep regulation light so investment can recover.

4. What should be done for unemployed families?

The federal government should provide direct relief. Aid should be shared between federal, state, and local government. Relief should stay mostly local so people remain self-reliant.

5. How should the government treat labor unions in a crisis economy?

Protect organizing rights more strongly. Allow unions, but keep government mostly neutral. Limit union power so employers can recover faster.

6. Should the government create programs like old-age pensions and unemployment insurance?

Yes, national social insurance is now necessary. Maybe a modest version, but not too large. No, that creates too much federal dependency.

7. If farmers are in deep trouble, what is the fairest response?

Use federal price supports and farm aid. Offer some aid, but avoid large permanent programs. Let market prices adjust without much federal interference.

8. What matters most in economic leadership?

Bold national action, even if government grows. Careful experiments and practical compromise. Stability, restraint, and restoring business confidence.

9. Should the federal government place stricter rules on big corporations during the depression?

Yes, concentrated economic power needs tighter limits. Only where abuse is clear. No, recovery depends on giving business more room.

10. Which tax policy seems fairest in 1932?

Higher taxes on the wealthy to help fund recovery. Moderate taxes with careful budgeting. Keep taxes low so investment and hiring can return.

11. If the economy remains stuck, should Washington keep experimenting with new programs?

Yes, trying new solutions is better than waiting. Some experimentation is fine, but carefully. No, too much experimentation creates uncertainty.

12. What is the best path out of the Great Depression?

Federal relief, reform, and recovery programs. Limited aid plus gradual economic adjustment. Fiscal discipline, local responsibility, and private recovery.

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Your 1932 Profile

Era Left: relief / reform / stronger federal action Era Right: limited government / balanced budgets / business confidence

Era Position

Likely Party (1932)

Likely Region

Likely Candidate

Shared theme active. Election surveys now use the same PHP save/login framework as the newer social studies activities.