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Our most dangerous tendency is to expect too much of government, and at the same time do for it too little. We contemplate the immediate task of putting our public household in order. We need a rigid and yet sane economy, combined with fiscal justice… Inaugural Address

Inaugural Address

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Legacy

Harding won over voters by recommending that Americans return to a simpler way of life following World War I. He was elected by an unprecedented 60% of the popular vote.

Harding vetoed fewer bills––only six––than any other president in the 20th century. During his administration, the national debt was reduced, the Bureau of the Budget was created, and Congress implemented a quota system on immigration. Also, Harding sponsored the very first disarmament conference that resulted in several treaty agreements, specifically a limitation of naval armaments between the U.S., Japan, Italy, Great Britain, and France. Harding is also credited with having persuaded the steel industry to reduce work days to eight hours, which prompted other industries to do the same. However, Harding usually sided with big business, and refused to support a minimum wage.