ConservatismRise of the Conservatives1980s

Liberal vs. Conservative

LiberalLiberalism is a belief that government has a responsibility to actively solve societys problems.

ConservativeA Conservative generally believes that individuals should be given more responsibility to make choices in the area of economics and societys problems

Why Conservatism?Backlash against entitlements and Affirmative Action (reverse discrimination?)Opposition to big government programsOutrage at hippie lifestyle Desire for security (Increase defense, limit immigration)

Well, they look pretty undocumented to me.

Goals of ConservativesShrink the federal governmentReduce spendingPromote traditional morality and valuesStrengthen national defenseStimulating business by reducing government regulations and lowering corporate taxes

Conservative SupportCoalition: business leaders, frustrated middle-class voters, fundamentalist Christian groups

Elected Ronald Reagan 1980He was an actor, simplified things, very comfortable in front of people1980 Presidential commercials

Supply-side EconomicsDecrease taxes and reduce spendingTax cuts would increase private investments and stimulate the economyLargest tax cuts to the highest incomes

DeregulationReduce the size and spending of the federal government by cutting back on the regulation of industry

Eliminated safety inspections on nursing homes, deregulated the airlines and Savings & Loan

Reduction in Social Welfare ProgramsCut mass transit, food stamps, welfare benefits, job training, Medicaid, school lunches, and student loans (Cut domestic spending by over $40 billion)

War on DrugsRandom drug testing at govt workplacesCut off college loans and public housing to drug offendersAnti-drug education in schools Just say NOCalled drugs our gravest domestic threatLong sentences for drug offenders, death penalty for dealers, emphasis on stopping entry at bordersWar on Drugs Song

Civil Rights under ReaganEnd to Affirmative Action; saw as reverse discriminationOpposed abortion and ERA

Increased Defense SpendingSDI: Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars). Keep US safe from enemy missiles.Still Developing - 2013

National debt went from $900 billion to $4 trillion; interest payments on debt accounted for 21% of budget (more than budget for education, health, environment, agriculture, transportation, space, science, and technology combined!)