Changing Political Tide

Unit 1: History or Memory

Lesson 1

Big Idea: Reagan’s rise to the Presidency reflected popularity of conservative beliefs

among many Americans.

Objectives:

Distinguish between liberal and conservative viewpoints.

Explain how groups w/conservative economic, social, and religious views were able to take over national politics in the 1980s.

Determine if Clinton’s election in 1992 really was a liberal backlash or moderate victory.

Examine how the political process failed in 2000.

Warm Up:

What is a political spectrum?

A range of ideas on the role of government.

The Political Spectrum – Range of Ideas

“Left” “Middle” “Right”Revolutionary Liberal Progressive Moderate Conservative Reactionary

Change Maintain status quoEcon regulation Free enterprise, hands off govtCivil Rights Law and orderIndividual Welfare Self-relianceSecularism Religious morality

*Radicals- Support rapid change and extreme solutions (violence) to problems, on both sides!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25541021@N00/4029557427/sizes/l/

Conservative Revolution

1980’s “New Right” Reverse liberal policies

& programs of 60’s & 70’s.

Activity 1:

As you read “The New Right”, answer the following questions: Conservative Coalition- Three Main Concerns: What economic problems exist? What social/moral problems exist? Why were conservative able to win so much

support in the late 70’s, early 80’s?

Conservative Coalition

Different groups with same common goal Change direction of society and economy

Three main concerns: Lessen the role of government in economy Restore Christian values to society (Moral

Majority led by Jerry Falwell) End government supported social programs

Problems Facing America

Economic

Inefficiency and waste Too many social

handouts Regulations hurt

competitiveness Tax burden

Social

Moral decline Roe v Wade- abortion ERA- women’s lib Gay rights movement No religion in school Affirmative Action

Success of the Coalition

Why were the Conservatives able to win so much support in the late 70’s and early 80’s?

Ineffective President (Carter-Dem) Appealed to new groups, large numbers Very organized in efforts

Tactics of the Coalition

Power of Television Televangelism – Bakker’s,

Falwell Sound Bites Spin Doctors - Will

Direct Mailing Volunteers/Donations

http://youtu.be/uFecoWKSU34

Discussion

How does the Conservative Revolution of the 1980s compare to the Tea Partiers and Republicans of today?

http://www.necn.com/searchNECN/search/v/42131528/michele-bachmann-promising-to-lead-new-conservative-revolution.htm

Closure

Explain why the term “Conservative Revolution” is an oxymoron.

Revolution implies quick change, change being a more liberal idea.

HW – Create Your Own Election Chart

Election Major Candidates Issues/Events Outcome

1980

1984

1988

1992

1996

2000

2004

2008