What does this mean? If you are more conservative, you tend to believe: – Everyone is responsible for themselves and their own lives – The government’s power should be limited – Traditional American values should be upheld – National defense is one of the most important things to our country – Government should leave people alone and let them pursue their own goals and dreams – Individuals have a greater ability to solve problems than the government does

Conservative Issues Lower taxes Against abortion Cut government spending (EXCEPT in military/defense) Less gun control/restrictions Give more power to the states

What does this mean? If you are more liberal, you tend to believe: – The government should do more to create equality and equal opportunities for everyone – It’s the government’s responsibility to make sure everyone’s individual rights are protected no matter what they believe – The government should do more to make sure that no one is in need or lives in poverty – The government has the ability to solve many of our problems and should do more to make that happen

Liberal Issues Raise taxes (especially on the wealthy) Support abortions Support gun regulation Raise government spending (especially for welfare programs) Give more power to the Federal government (and less to the states)

Conservatism Revival of the 1980’s Unit 14

Is America more conservative or liberal?

Political Timeline

Cold War Many Americans rejected liberal economic ideas (equality, fairness) as communist ideas Many Americans viewed communism as anti- religious – Conservatives put greater emphasis on religious morals

Sunbelt Growth After World War 2, many Americans moved south to the Sunbelt – Southern region of the United States Economic growth favored conservative policies

Taxes Welfare programs in America had led to high tax rates During the difficult economic times of the 1970’s, many Americans began to resent taxes – Began to support conservatism which believes in lower taxes

American Values Many Americans started to believe that traditional American values were being attacked – Opposition to authority (1960’s) – Legalized abortion – Limitations on school prayer Conservatives supported the return to traditional values – Gained the support of deeply religious Americans

How does this impact us today? Tax rates are at some of the lowest levels they’ve ever been historically Religious Americans have much more political power – Why do you think we have a moment of “reflection” every morning? Most states in the Sunbelt still favor conservatism

Quick Review 1.How did the Cold War help revive conservatism in America? – Many Americans associated liberalism with communism 2.How did the southern migration to the Sunbelt help revive conservatism in America? – Economic growth favored conservative ideas 3.How did high taxes help revive conservatism in America? – Conservatives favor lower taxes 4.How did the changes in American values help revive conservatism? – Religious people began to support conservatives