the US is a federal republic and a constitutional representative democracy
The correct answer is Oedipus makes decisions based on the will of the gods.
Indeed, at this point in the plot, the Kingdom of Thebes has fallen to some kind of plague that pollutes the people and the fields, causing starvation. He has a prophet consult the Oracle of Apollo to see what can be done and the prophet comes back with an injunction, not a prophecy to find Laius’ killer.
Of course, Oedipus states that “finding Lauis’ murderer is self-serving” but in the sense that he is one with his people and that his people’s welfare is his own. The only unambiguous choice is that Oedipus makes decisions not based on scientific or criminal research but on his religious beliefs and these command that the will of the gods be obeyed at all times.
The Hoover quote shows that his approach to the Great Depression is one of no hope. Hoover tried to implement a couple federal works projects (like the Hoover Dam) to kick start the economy. This limited government role is thanks to Hoover's belief in laissez faire economics, which revolves around the idea that government should be involved as little as possible in the economy. With this in mind, it is easy to understand why Hoover does not give direct financial assistance to American citizens.
FDR, on the other hand, believed that the government should help in times of crisis. FDR uses this concept and develops the "New Deal." This "New Deal" is a policy in which the federal government creates several different agencies and programs to help American citizens recover from the Great Depression. This "can do"attitude reflects his determination and ties into the aforementioned quote.
