Carter, Reagan, Bush: The Bipartisan Consensus and Economic Policies

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the political landscape during the presidencies of Carter, Reagan, and Bush, focusing on economic policies, political traditions, and voter engagement.

Bipartisan Consensus

A political agreement that involves cooperation and agreement between the two major political parties in the U.S.

Hofstadter’s Political Tradition

The analysis that suggests both major parties, Republican and Democrat, historically operated within capitalist interests, emphasizing nationalism and corporate power.

Voter Disillusionment

A phenomenon where voters become disengaged and skeptical about the effectiveness of electoral politics due to unaddressed systemic issues.

Fairness Doctrine

A now-defunct policy that required broadcasters to present contrasting viewpoints on controversial issues, eliminated in the 1980s.

Reaganomics

Economic policies under President Reagan that emphasized tax cuts, deregulation, and reduction of government spending, argued to benefit the wealthy.

Military-Industrial Complex

The close relationship between the military and defense contractors that influences U.S. foreign policy.

Iran-Contra Affair

A political scandal during the Reagan administration involving secret arms sales to Iran and the diversion of those funds to Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

Grassroots Activism

Organized efforts by grassroots organizations to advocate for social change from the community level, addressing issues like the environment and social justice.

Supply-side Economics

An economic theory that suggests tax cuts for the wealthy will stimulate investment and job creation, with the idea that benefits will 'trickle down' to the rest of the population.

Economic Inequality

The disparity in wealth and income distribution among individuals within a society.

Tax Reform Act of 1986

Legislation aimed at restructuring the tax code to create a fairer tax system, reducing tax shelters and affecting real estate investments.

Caution in Foreign Policy

A strategic approach to international relations that emphasizes careful consideration before military actions to avoid unintended consequences.

Neoliberal Economic Policies

Economic reforms emphasizing free markets, deregulation, and reduction of state influence in the economy, often criticized for exacerbating inequality.

Talk Radio Influence

The rise of conservative talk radio in the 1990s, which shaped public opinion and political discourse favoring right-wing rhetoric.

Political Cynicism

A loss of trust and confidence in government institutions and political processes, leading to disengagement from civic participation.

Tax Cuts

Reductions in the amount of taxes individuals or corporations must pay, a key element of Reagan's economic policy agenda.

Corporate Control

Dominance of major corporations over economic policies and practices, often at the expense of labor and social equity.

Disinformation

The deliberate dissemination of false information to mislead the public or manipulate political perceptions.

Cultural Politics

The intersection of culture and politics, where cultural values and beliefs influence political discourse and policy.