Reducing the Size and Power of the Federal Government

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 95 views

The Reagan Era: A Review of President Reagan's Goals and Policies

As the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan left an indelible mark on American history. His presidency, which spanned from 1981 to 1989, was marked by significant economic, social, and foreign policy changes. In this article, we will examine the goals and policies of President Reagan, with a focus on identifying which of the following was NOT a goal of his administration.

Economic Policy: Lowering Taxes and Reducing Government Spending

One of the primary goals of President Reagan's economic policy was to lower taxes and reduce government spending. He believed that high taxes stifled economic growth and innovation, and that reducing the tax burden on individuals and businesses would lead to increased economic activity and job creation. To achieve this goal, Reagan implemented a series of tax cuts, including the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 and the Tax Reform Act of 1986. These tax cuts reduced the top marginal tax rate from 70% to 28%, and eliminated many tax loopholes and deductions.

Reducing the Size and Power of the Federal Government

Another key goal of President Reagan's administration was to reduce the size and power of the federal government. He believed that the federal government had grown too large and powerful, and that it was necessary to reduce its size and scope in order to promote individual freedom and liberty. To achieve this goal, Reagan implemented a series of budget cuts and reforms, including the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Balanced Budget Act of 1985. This act required the federal government to balance its budget by 1991, and imposed automatic spending cuts if the budget was not balanced.

Foreign Policy: Ending the Cold War and Promoting American Interests

President Reagan's foreign policy was focused on ending the Cold War and promoting American interests. He believed that the Soviet Union was a threat to American security and freedom, and that it was necessary to take a strong stance against Soviet aggression. To achieve this goal, Reagan implemented a series of policies, including the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) and the deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Europe. These policies were designed to demonstrate American military strength and to deter Soviet aggression.

The War on Drugs: A Key Priority of the Reagan Administration

The war on drugs was a key priority of the Reagan administration. President Reagan believed that the use and sale of illicit drugs was a threat to American society, and that it was necessary to take a strong stance against drug trafficking and use. To achieve this goal, Reagan implemented a series of policies, including the establishment of the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the deployment of federal law enforcement agents to combat drug trafficking.

Expanding Funding for Entitlement Programs: A Goal of the Democratic Party, Not the Reagan Administration

While the Reagan administration did implement some changes to entitlement programs, such as the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, expanding funding for entitlement programs was not a goal of the Reagan administration. In fact, the Reagan administration implemented a series of budget cuts and reforms that reduced funding for many entitlement programs. The Democratic Party, on the other hand, has traditionally been supportive of expanding funding for entitlement programs, such as Social Security and Medicare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the goals of President Reagan's administration were focused on lowering taxes, reducing the size and power of the federal government, ending the Cold War, and promoting American interests. While the war on drugs was a key priority of the Reagan administration, expanding funding for entitlement programs was not a goal of his administration. Instead, the Reagan administration implemented a series of budget cuts and reforms that reduced funding for many entitlement programs.

Key Takeaways

President Reagan's economic policy was focused on lowering taxes and reducing government spending.
The Reagan administration implemented a series of budget cuts and reforms that reduced the size and power of the federal government.
The war on drugs was a key priority of the Reagan administration.
Expanding funding for entitlement programs was not a goal of the Reagan administration.

References

Reagan, R. (1981). Address to the Nation on the Economy. Washington, D.C.: The White House.
Reagan, R. (1985). Address to the Nation on the Budget. Washington, D.C.: The White House.
Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981. Public Law 97-34.
Tax Reform Act of 1986. Public Law 99-514.
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Balanced Budget Act of 1985. Public Law 99-177.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Reagan Era and Its Impact on American History

As the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan left an indelible mark on American history. His presidency, which spanned from 1981 to 1989, was marked by significant economic, social, and foreign policy changes. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Reagan era and its impact on American history.

Q: What were the main goals of President Reagan's economic policy?

A: The main goals of President Reagan's economic policy were to lower taxes and reduce government spending. He believed that high taxes stifled economic growth and innovation, and that reducing the tax burden on individuals and businesses would lead to increased economic activity and job creation.

Q: What were some of the key tax cuts implemented by President Reagan?

A: Some of the key tax cuts implemented by President Reagan include the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 and the Tax Reform Act of 1986. These tax cuts reduced the top marginal tax rate from 70% to 28%, and eliminated many tax loopholes and deductions.

Q: What was the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), and why was it implemented?

A: The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was a missile defense system proposed by President Reagan in 1983. The SDI was designed to protect the United States from Soviet nuclear missiles, and was seen as a key component of Reagan's foreign policy.

Q: What was the impact of the Reagan administration's foreign policy on the Soviet Union?

A: The Reagan administration's foreign policy had a significant impact on the Soviet Union. The deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Europe, the SDI, and other policies were seen as a threat to Soviet security and led to a significant increase in military spending. This, combined with the economic strain of the Soviet Union's own military buildup, contributed to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Q: What was the impact of the Reagan administration's economic policies on the American economy?

A: The Reagan administration's economic policies had a significant impact on the American economy. The tax cuts and deregulation implemented by the Reagan administration led to a period of economic growth and job creation, often referred to as the "Reagan Boom." However, the policies also led to increased income inequality and a widening of the budget deficit.

Q: What was the impact of the Reagan administration's social policies on American society?

A: The Reagan administration's social policies had a significant impact on American society. The administration's emphasis on individual freedom and limited government led to a significant reduction in government spending on social programs, including education and healthcare. This, combined with the rise of conservative ideology, led to a significant shift in American culture and values.

Q: What was the significance of the Iran-Contra affair?

A: The Iran-Contra affair was a significant scandal that occurred during the Reagan administration. In 1986, it was discovered that the administration had secretly sold arms to Iran and used the proceeds to fund anti-Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua, in violation of a congressional ban on such activities. The scandal led to the resignation of several high-ranking officials, including National Security Adviser John Poindexter and Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North.

Q: What was the significance of the Supreme Court's decision in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services (1989)?

A: The Supreme Court's decision in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services (1989) was a significant ruling that allowed states to impose restrictions on abortion. The decision was seen as a major victory for anti-abortion activists and marked a significant shift in the Court's approach to reproductive rights.

Q: What was the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989?

A: The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was a significant event that marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War. The wall, which had divided East and West Berlin since 1961, was a powerful symbol of the division between the Soviet Union and the West. Its fall marked a significant shift in the global balance of power and paved the way for German reunification and the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.

Q: What was the significance of President Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall" speech?

A: President Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall" speech, delivered in Berlin in 1987, was a significant call to action that marked a turning point in the Cold War. The speech, in which Reagan challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall," was seen as a powerful statement of American resolve and a call to action for the Soviet Union to reform.

Q: What was the significance of the Gulf War in 1990-1991?

A: The Gulf War, fought in 1990-1991, was a significant conflict that marked a major turning point in the post-Cold War era. The war, in which a coalition of countries led by the United States invaded Iraq to liberate Kuwait, marked a significant shift in the global balance of power and paved the way for the rise of the United States as the world's sole superpower.

Q: What was the significance of President Reagan's legacy?

A: President Reagan's legacy is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, his economic policies and foreign policy initiatives helped to end the Cold War and promote American interests. On the other hand, his social policies and tax cuts contributed to increased income inequality and a widening of the budget deficit. Overall, Reagan's legacy is seen as a significant turning point in American history, marking a shift towards a more conservative and individualistic approach to governance.