[Gerald]

It's not just the occupant of the White House that is at stake in the impending US election. Many believe the country is at a fork in the road, with two very different paths ahead of it.When Americans cast their votes next month, it's probably not exaggerating to say they'll do so in the midst of a profound ideological divide.

"Clash of ideas."

"Two entirely different visions."

You hear it all the time. Not least from the candidates and their supporters. But where does this clash come from?

Try starting at the sprawling headquarters of the Social Security Administration, just outside Baltimore.

The organisation was established by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1935 as part of his response to the Great Depression.

It also ushered in an era of big government. The SSA now employs more than 60,000 people and in 2010 accounted for almost 40% of all government spending. It administers programmes - for the sick, the elderly and the poor - that are plunging the US deeper and deeper into debt.

Eighty years on, it's the size and role of government that represents the faultline between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, who has vowed to bring http://www.mittromney.com/issues/spending 2016, down from its current level of 24%.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19976747

Note: 20 October 2012 Last updated at 00:34 GMT