The Reagan Revolution

Background on Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan was an actor who worked for various studios in Hollywood. In 1947, Reagan was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild- a union for actors and people in the movie business

McCarthy Hearings (HUAC) As president of the Screen Actors Guild, Reagan was called upon to testify before HUAC Did Reagan support or denounce (put down) HUAC’s efforts to hunt communists?

Entering Politics In the 1950’s and ‘60’s, Reagan campaigned for many Democrats in the California state and National Presidential elections In 1962, he changed his political party affiliation to Republican In 1966, Ronald Reagan entered politics when he ran for and was elected Governor of California. He ran for President of the US in 1968 and He was not elected

Ronald Reagan is elected President of the United States in His term of office lasts until 1988

Reagan’s Conservative Political Philosophy – The “Reagan Revolution” Changed the relationship between the federal and state governments (Federalism) The size and role of government involvement in the economy and society is re-evaluated according to Reagan’s conservative philosophy

The Reagan Revolution President Reagan and conservative Republicans advocated for (supported): – Appointment of judges/justices who exercised “Judicial Restraint”. These judges would focus on a strict interpretation of the Constitution rather than bringing about changes in society – Strengthening the military – Why did Reagan do this?

This is why-

The Reagan Revolution Reagan and conservative Republicans advocated for changes federalism by : – transferring responsibilities to state governments – Decrease in the number and scope of government programs and regulations at the national level. Examples: – The federal government decreased its funding on programs such as education and welfare and the states were to fund more – The federal government relaxed regulations on banking and environmental protection

The Reagan Revolution Reagan and conservative Republicans advocated for: – TAX CUTS!!! (Lower taxes) – Reagan and Conservative Republicans believed the economic theory of “Supply-side Economics” justified these tax cuts. Another name for it was “Trickle-Down Economics.” But soon, it was known as “Reaganomics!”

The Reagan Revolution Supply-side economics is better known to some as "Reaganomics," or the "trickle-down" policyReaganomics The idea is that greater tax cuts for investors and entrepreneurs (people who do business) provide incentives for these businesses to save and invest in the company. When these companies prosper the economic benefits will trickle down into the overall economy in the form of higher wages, more jobs, and increased demand for goods and services

The Reagan Revolution The “Reagan Revolution” extended beyond his time in the Presidency with: – The Election of his Vice-President: George H.W. Bush – The election of a centrist (neither conservative or liberal) Democrat: William Clinton – The Repubican sweep of congressional elections and statehouses in the 1990’s – The election of George W. Bush

The Reagan Revolution Basically, the American public elected men like-minded to Reagan when they selected George H.W.Bush William Clinton and George W. Bush