Fact. When Ronald Raygun took office he inherited a debt of 750 billion. He promised to balance the budget and not raise taxes. After 8 years, he had done neither. He never even submitted a balanced budget.
How far back do you want to go?

When Bush 1 left office, he left a debt of 4 trillion, and Bush 2 has increased that to over 9 trillion.

Clinton had the good sense to work with the republicans, not against them.So, he presided over the longest period of prosperity ever.

Furthermore, the government should do what the individual is not able to do. Calvin Coolege said, "The government that governs least governs best." So, during his time in office, and Hoover's time there was run away speculating on the stock market. Huge fortunes, all on paper. Coolege saw what was coming and got out. No regulation. We all know what happens if there is no regulation, the greedy bastards become filthy rich at the expense of the working man.
Can you say ENRON? or, Silverado savings and loan? How about Halliburton?