Why do so many people think that big government is the solution to their problems?

Over the years the Dems have given us so many programs to reduce poverty, and they have failed miserably. The programs have only resulted in more dependence on the government. AFDC for instance destroyed poor 2 parent families by replacing the father with a government check, and promoting generations of people depending on government istance. When will these people realize that these programs are not designed to allow them to live the American dream of prosperity and self-reliance but only to make poverty a little more comfortable and keep them voting democrat year after year in the false guise of "hope"?