How far has Reagan Revitalised the Presidency
- Created by: A-bee
- Created on: 08-05-18 20:48
View mindmap
- The Extent to which the Presidency and US Politics were Revitalised
- The Presidency
- After Nixon, Ford and Carter many citizens felt helpless and didn't trust government - Reagan promised change.
- Set his image in his first years. His foreign affair successes helped hide slow down on change.
- Followers less able to play the role
- Bush didn't get reelected despite having a higher approval rate, 68-61.
- Clinton's average approval rating: 55
- Presidential Involvement in Legislation
- some legislation blocked by congress, e.g. cut back on busing children from poorer areas into integrated schools.
- advised against some legislation - prepared to listen, e.g. he wanted to introduce daily prayer in schools but was advised it would never get passed.
- followers
- Bush was less pragmatic and flexible, poor communicator and had less support in congress 45 republicans in the senate (Reagan had 54 )
- increased presidential involvement did not last long
- Clinton also struggled to get legislation past congress after his first big healthcare legislation failed.
- US Politics
- Did not bring a long period of Republican control. By 1988 Democrats - majority in the House and senate (lost 1996)
- 'New Right' Thinking
- First term - united a significant number of politicians, R and D, in a conservative coalition. Allowed him to push his early legislation.
- The coalition was reacting against the liberal 70s - objected 'welfare dependent' and 'lazy' poor; rising numbers of strikes and demonstrations, increasing lack of law and order; and support of gay, women's and civil rights by the government.
- Split between support for these ideas generally and accepting Reagan's more extreme policies.
- Congress blocked a lot of legislation on 'social' issues and 'big government' handovers of control.
- Revitalised Politicians
- Republicans did not change, saw the shift as a swing of opinion, not reaction against Democrat's mistakes.
- Democrats were split, e.g. Jesse Jackson ran to be their presidential candidate but wasn't chosen in 1984 and their candidate lost, same for 1988.
- Forced to regroup 1984, Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). 'New Democrat' accepted lower taxes and low federal intervention.
- abolish 'welfare' - 'support', Clinton 1992. 'New Covenant', bring change - like Reagan.
- Forced to regroup 1984, Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). 'New Democrat' accepted lower taxes and low federal intervention.
- Other changes to the political environment
- business back in government
- sponsorship in sport and supporting presidential campaigns.
- candidates with more time on TV had a competitive edge.
- Christian Right
- Became more outspoken on abortion, teen pregnancy, and what should be taught in schools.
- Reagan was advised against legislation and told to make it clear that it was his personal view - willing to adapt.
- business back in government
- Public Interest and Involvement
- First presidential debate: 1960 - 70 million viewers, figures dropped 1970s - 60 million, Reagan-Carter debate 80 million.
- Following years: 1984 - 67.5 million, 1988 - 65 million and 1996 only 36 million.
- The Presidency
Comments
No comments have yet been made