To What Extent Were The Presidency And US Politics Revitalised Flashcards
(11 cards)
Reagan’s involvement in legislation
Initial success with congress not long-term
Some legislation he wanted to introduce, urged on by religious right, was blocked by congress
- e.g. laws to cut back on busing children from poorer areas to integrated schools
When Reagan was advised against legislation, he listened to them, was pragmatic and flexible about policy
- believed, along with religious right, daily prayer should be introduced in schools, advised it would never get past congress, didn’t bring a bill
Reagan’s legacy in passing legislation
Bush promised to continue Reagan’s most popular policies, keep taxes low and defence spending high
- had to give into congress and raise taxes
- struggled more, less adept at managing congress
Clinton struggled to pass legislation after first big healthcare legislation package failed
- showed increased presidential involvement in legislation did not last long
How did Reagan restore faith in the president
Spoke of the American dream, family values, and confidence in the future
- didn’t do everything right but sincere and capable
What is the Iran-Contra affair
Uncovered Autumn 1986
- White House officials had supplied arms to Iran to free several US hostages
- officials used the money from arms sales to Iran (and money raised from private sources) to support Contra rebels in Nicaragua who were fighting the existing government
- supplied rebels with weapons
- done without agreement of congress and against policies of neutrality in Iran-Iraq war and of not supplying Contras with weapons laid down by congress
Then, Reagan lied about it
- told congress and the public that it hadn’t happened, and then that he didn’t know about it
- officials destroyed documents and evidence in a cover-up
Impact of the Iran-Contra affair
Better than Nixon, as Nixon was unable to control his officials that they could do it without him knowing
Damaged the presidency
- but more popular at the start of presidency, so people said he could have been confused or did it to save hostages
How did Reagan revitalise the presidency
By the time he came to power, most people didn’t trust any part of the government
- felt helpless, no matter who they voted for, would decline regardless
Promised to bring change
- the fact he did less later on didn’t matter, started off well
- projected good image of president, foreign affairs successes
- bush/clinton didnt have this response (bush not re-elected for second term, higher average approval rating than Reagan 61 to 52, Reagan started with rating of 68 to carters 28 before the election)
- Clinton had approval of 55
What is new right thinking
Rejected assumptions from new deal about how involved in society (liberal) government should be
In Reagan’s first term, united number of politicians (democrats/republicans) under conservative coalition banner
- enabled him to push through early legislation
- reacted against political environment of 1970s: objected to increase in ‘lazy’ and ‘welfare dependent’ poor, number of strikes and demonstrations, increasing lack of ‘law and order’, support from government to gay rights women’s liberation affirmative action and abortion
- split between support for these general terms and accepting extreme policies
- congress/states managed to block legislation suggested by administration on ‘social’ issues and ‘big government’ handovers of control
How did Reagan impact the political environment
Brought business back into government’
- businesses bigger
- sponsorships in sport and influence in campaigns through contributions, businesses more involved in USA
- more money = more elaborate campaigns, competitive edge, nothing to do with political ideas or skill
Christian right
- more outspoken and involved in political issues
- more outspoken about issues e.g. abortion, teenage pregnancy, what should be taught in schools
- gave Reagan support, therefore people expected government legislation on these issues
- successful president because of willingness to adapt
How did public interest in president change
First televised presidential debate in 1960: drew 70 million viewers
- TV ownership grew after this, viewing figures for debates dropped but were events that impacted voting the most
- 60 million in 1970s
Reagan-carter debates drew 80.6 million viewers
- 1984 debates 67.5 million, 1988 65.1 million, 1992 69.9 million, 1996 36.3 million (lowest figures in history)
Overall reagans impact on USA
Popular president, changed view of public, media, and political parties on role of government
Didn’t make sweeping changes in legislation he hoped for
Made the president a proper political role again
- became leader who affected policy and guide the nation
Made people feel the system of government was sound, just needed the right people
How did Reagan change politics
Can be argued they didn’t change republican policies enough
- more people in 1980s and 90s cared about liberal ideas than republicans thought
- people wanted fair society, even if it wasn’t equal
Reagan swing enough democrats in house to get 1981 legislation passed
- worried democrats, divided party and split about candidates
- revitalised party in 1984 after defeat, made democratic leadership council (DLC)
- accepted need for low taxes and low federal intervention
- still stressed need for social welfare, but would abolish welfare and provide support
- Clinton, offered new convenient to people in 1992, would bring change and replace policies that weren’t working, same offer as Reagan in 1984
