Chapter 30, Section 1 The Conservative Revolt Main Idea: The election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 ushered in a new era of conservatism in politics and public policy.

A. The Conservative Agenda Limiting Government In response to an expanding federal government since FDR in the 1930s, conservative Republicans, led by Ronald Reagan, looked to reduce “big government” and its social programs in the 1980s & called for a return to more “traditional” values. Traditional Values Moral Majority- Jerry Falwell’s religious group that helped conservative candidates get elected Conservative Goals: 1.Cut spending on social programs (welfare, etc.) 2.Return to traditional values (religion, family, patriotism) 3.Reduce regulations on businesses 4.Lower taxes 5.Reduce size of federal government 6.Balance federal budget

The Conservative Revolution Conservatives of the 1980’s felt that “big government” was a problem and that the government should limit costly social programs and not interfere too much with business practices.

B. The Reagan-Bush Era Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter in the 1980 election, promising to “Make America Great Again.” He was re-elected in Reaganomics Reagan’s economic program: 1.Cut taxes so people could save &/or spend the extra money, helping banks & businesses. 2.Cut federal spending on social programs to reduce the size of the government. 3.Deregulation – reduce restrictions on businesses. Reagan’s Balance Sheet –Pluses: the economy boomed, 16 million jobs were created while in office, inflation was held in check, he restored people’s faith in the presidency. –Minuses: military spending skyrocketed as Cold War tensions increased, creating a $240 billion deficit (a record at the time). He wanted a balanced budget, but this made it impossible.

Ronald Reagan led the conservative revolution, serving as President from 1980 – Reagan’s Economic Plan: - large tax cuts that were meant to stimulate the economy - spending cuts to costly social programs

Mixed Results: While the economy grew, the country suffered from a record budget deficit. ($240 billion deficit in 1986). This was caused by a large increase in military spending, along with massive tax cuts, which made it impossible to create a balanced budget.

Iran-Contra deal: · During the 1980’s, Pres. Reagan gave aid to anticommunists in Nicaragua and El Salvador. Marx, Lenin and soviet hammer and sickle and Sandinista rally in Managua. · However, Congress passed a law banning future aid to be sent to the anticommunist rebels in Nicaragua, known as the Contras.

· To get around the ban, members of Pres. Reagan’s staff secretly sold weapons to Iran and used the profits to fund the Contras. · These deals were illegal, and Pres. Reagan claimed their were done without his knowledge.

Bush’s Economic Troubles Won ’88 election, promising, “Read my lips... No new taxes” (not a good idea!) Had to raise taxes to avoid cutting popular programs, weakening the economy Banking crisis: banks failed due to risky loans (deregulation) not being paid back Downsizing: many business laid off workers to cut costs, creating high unemployment Recession: economic slump (milder than depression) Conservatives on the Court Reagan & Bush appointed 5 new justices while in office, including the 1 st woman (Sandra Day O’Connor), shifting the Supreme Court to more conservative than liberal.

President George H.W. Bush: · Pres. George H.W. Bush continued Reagan’s policies with his famous promise, “Read my lips. No new taxes.” “Read my lips. No new taxes.” · However, by 1990, the economy was in a recession, forcing Bush to raise taxes.

C. Clinton & the Conservatives Bill Clinton defeated George Bush in ’92 election. A Middle Road Reduced federal deficit (surplus by 1998). Pushed for health care reform to cover most Americans, but Congress defeated it (too $ & intrusive) Conservatives Win Control –1994 congressional elections gave control of both houses to the Republicans (1 st time since ’50s). –“Contract With America”- Newt Gingrich’s plan to cut welfare & taxes, reduce environmental restrictions. –Limited length of time someone could be on welfare in order to encourage people to find jobs. Impeachment & Trial –While being investigated for real estate dealings during his term as Governor of Arkansas, President Clinton lied under oath about having an improper relationship with a White House intern, named Monica Lewinsky. –The House impeached him (only 2 nd time ever), but the Senate acquitted him (voting was along party lines).

President Bill Clinton: · Pres. Clinton won the election of 1992 on the hopes that he could help the nation’s troubled economy. Clinton went on to win reelection in 1996 as well.

· In 1996, Republicans, led by Newt Gingrich, took control of both houses of Congress and challenged the President on tax increases and spending programs. Newt Gingrich, Time Magazine’s 1995 Man of the Year

D. The Bush II Era Dispute Over Florida George W. Bush defeated VP Al Gore in the 2000 election by a very narrow margin. –Gore won the popular vote, but disputed ballots in Florida, where Bush had a slim lead, caused the electoral vote to be in doubt (ironically, the governor of Florida at the time was Bush’s brother, Jeb). –The Supreme Court ruled to stop a recount, giving the election to Bush (a majority was conservative). Bush as President –No Child Left Behind Act for schools is very controversial (favors some schools over others?). –The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center caused Bush’s popularity to soar (temporarily). –In 2002, Republicans controlled both houses & the presidency, causing a shift in US foreign policy.

Election of 2000 – The Candidates: Republican George W. Bush beat Democratic challenger Al Gore in one of the closest elections in American history. George W. Bush (R)Al Gore (D)Ralph Nader (G)

Gore received more of the popular vote, but Bush received more of the electoral votes, winning the election.

2000 Election Results By County 2000 Election Results By State

· The election had been contested due to controversial election results in Florida (where Bush’s brother, Jeb, was the governor). Florida election official looking for “hanging chads” on a 2000 Presidential ballot.

Election of 2004: Incumbent George W. Bush (R) defeated his Democratic challenger, Senator John Kerry. Victory Rally John Kerry delivering his concession speech Nancy Pelosi became the 1st female Speaker of the House in US history In the Congressional elections of 2006, the Democrats won both houses of Congress for the first time since 1994.

Election of 2008: Barack Obama (left) defeated John McCain (below) to become the first African-American president in U.S. history.