<span>The 4th Branch of government is an expression for groups which influence the three branches set up by the United States Constitution.
This group could include the Press, various lobby groups, such as the Gun Lobby. But it also includes everyday citizens and people who could write to their representatives or join demonstrations etc.</span>
The Federal government finally tried to help stem the tide of the Great Depression in the form of the New Deal, which was initiated by FDR and increased the scope of government.