They served as Presidents of the United States.
to make a change
President FDR was in office. He had information on the attack before it happened but did not want to change his war or foreign policies.
to make a change
He allowed the government to do a lot of things.
increasing its role in the lives of citizens
Because Japan bombed Pearl Harbor
He increased the government's role in the lives of citizens.
she took an active role in public policy issues
Yes. They were distant cousins. FDR and Fmr. President Theodore Roosevelt were fifth cousins. Coincidentally, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (she never had to change her last name) was Theodore Roosevelt's niece. So, to answer your question Eleanor Roosevelt was Franklin Roosevelt's fifth cousin's niece.
This occurred when Lyndon Johnson was president. John Kennedy took preliminary steps.
she took an active role in public policy issues
That was Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Franklin and niece of Theodore. She did not have to change her name when she married.