The Domestic Policy of the Reagan Era Flashcards
What was Carter’s main issue as president?
The country was in a huge economic dis tater because of inflation and depression at the same time, which led to huge tax increases and lower production rates, and eventually, an oil crisis
What was Carter’s approval rating at the end of his presidency?
26%
When and what was the conservative shift in America?
The conservative shift happened around 1980 in America, and involved a huge religious revival and religious involvement in politics, leading to a more morally and socially conscious America
How many new voters registered during the conservative shift?
2-3 million
Why was Reagan’s victory so great?
Because he was very religiously, socially, morally and economically conservative, which was the residing attitude in America at the time
Define ‘Reaganomics’
Reaganomics was Reagan’s attack of the tax system for penalising productivity. He suggested that taxes and federal spending must be cut, and more money should be spent on military
What was Reagan’s policy of ‘voodoo economics’?
Voodoo economics, or trickle down economics, centred around the idea of cutting taxes, so the rich had more money to spend on investments, ultimately creating more jobs for the poor, and then too, increasing spending
What happened in 1981?
The biggest tax cut in U.S. history. It did little to rejuvenate the economy, and created an oil crisis and a rise in unemployment.
How much was national debt in 1981?
Around $3 trillion
Why was Reagan still a popular president, despite his huge failures with the deficit?
Because many people were still scared of the Cold War, so his spending on military was very popular
When and what was the Iran contra?
From 1985-1987, the discovery that the U.S. was selling arms to Iran in exchange for American hostages, and then the profit that was made from these arms was given to the Nicaraguan rebels, despite the fact that these negotiations were banned by congress
Why did minorities suffer as a result of Reaganomics?
Because they were at the very bottom of the system, and received none of the economic benefits which Reagan hoped would trickle down the system
What was Reagan’s approval rating at the end of his presidency?
68%
How many states did Reagan win in 1984?
49
What did Reagan cut the tax bracket to, and how much money did this lose America?
28%, and $560 billion
