American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

The Resettlement Administration, formed in 1935, was established to experiment with what concept?

1. Urban renewal

2. Population resettlement and land reform

3. Environmental conservation

4. Federal housing programs

The correct answer is: Population resettlement and land reform

The Resettlement Administration, established in 1935 during the New Deal era, aimed to address the challenges faced by impoverished farmers and displaced families, particularly during the Dust Bowl. It focused on the concept of population resettlement and land reform, which sought not only to relocate struggling families to more viable agricultural areas but also to improve their living conditions and agricultural practices. This initiative involved creating new communities and farming projects, emphasizing sustainable land use and providing resources to help these populations thrive. By experimenting with resettlement, the administration aimed to tackle the socio-economic inequalities and environmental issues caused by the Great Depression and ecological disasters. This concept was integral to the federal government's larger strategy to revitalize the agricultural sector and support the rural poor, ensuring a more equitable distribution of land and resources. The other concepts—urban renewal, environmental conservation, and federal housing programs—reflect important elements of government policy in other contexts, but they do not align with the primary focus and goals of the Resettlement Administration during its inception.