Which program funded large-scale public works projects to stimulate the economy?

• A. Civilian Conservation Corps
• B. Public Works Administration
• C. Works Progress Administration
• D. Social Security Administration

Answer: (B)

When the government sought to revive the economy during the Depression, it aimed to create jobs by funding big building projects. The program designed to finance and supervise large-scale public works—like dams, bridges, highways, and public buildings—was the Public Works Administration. It provided funds and contracts to construct major infrastructure, which helped put people to work and stimulated demand across the economy. The Civilian Conservation Corps focused on smaller-scale environmental and conservation work for young men, not the broad infrastructure funding of the PWA. The Works Progress Administration did fund public works as well, but it operated as a broader, nationwide jobs program with a wider variety of projects. The Social Security Administration deals with social insurance programs, not infrastructure funding. So the best fit for funding large-scale public works to stimulate the economy is the Public Works Administration.