Federal expenditures as a function of GDP were ~12% or so in 1950 (ie, coming down from the war). They are 25% or so now, 20% before covid. I’d imagine the states are about the same.

And what has that increased expenditure gone to?

> Not really, in the 40's and 50's the programs were stronger

How so? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_programs_in_the_United_...

Is that not mostly from social security?

I wouldn't increased costs from paying for the retirement of an aging population to be an indication of welfare program strength.

Is medicaid / medicare in there too? If so, then ballooning medical costs wouldn't really be an indication of stronger programs either.