The New Deal was a series of domestic programs that caused the federal government and president to join forces and do whatever was necessary to save the country from disaster. The New Deal played a significant role in the shift of the nature of the presidency as the president was allowed special powers by Congress to deal the Great Depression, however it was Roosevelt himself who brought about a fundamental shift, which lasted past the crisis situation. Specifically, the fundamental shift was brought about by the change in president, his personality and the way the crisis situation was dealt with. Fundamental shift is defined as the change in the presidency, which had a permanent and substantial effect that caused the change in the political “norm”, which resulted in a new style and role for the presidents to follow. Herbert Hoover altered the nature of the Republican laissez-faire policy that dwelt less on inaction and more on allowing people to take responsibility for themselves. While campaigning, he developed the theory of ‘rugged individualism’, where people who could look after themselves would make their own way in the world and prosper, realizing the American Dream. He believed that the government should not interfere to help those with jobs and homes, or even the poor and the exploited workforce, as they would be weakened. In fact, following the 1929 Wall Street Crash, it was favoured by the Republicans to leave the economy to sort itself out, which of course led to the Great Depression. Other beliefs such as that the USA should isolate itself from other countries, as well as to restrict immigration led to Hoover becoming unpopular. As a result, he was blamed for Hoovervilles that sprang up all over the country and for the way the Bonus Army was treated-including sending in the military. Even though Hoover did try to be more involved in running the