Despite the criticisms, the New Deal left a lasting legacy on the American economy, society, and the role of government. It established the precedent of the federal government taking an active role in stabilizing the economy during times of crisis. The New Deal's various programs and agencies, such as the Social Security Act and the Securities and Exchange Commission, initiated significant reforms that continue to shape American society today.

Furthermore, the New Deal expanded the notion of the federal government's responsibility for the welfare of its citizens. It laid the groundwork for subsequent social welfare programs and helped establish the idea that government has a role to play in providing a safety net for vulnerable populations.