The Resurgence of Conservatism 1980-2000

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the resurgence of conservatism in America from 1980 to 2000.

Resurgence of Conservatism

A political movement in the United States during the 1980s characterized by a return to conservative values and policies, spearheaded by Ronald Reagan.

Moral Majority

A prominent evangelical political organization founded by Jerry Falwell in the late 1970s that advocated for conservative social issues.

New Right

A political movement in the 1980s that emerged in response to the cultural changes of the 1960s, focusing on social issues like abortion and prayer in schools.

Reaganomics

Ronald Reagan's economic policies, emphasizing tax cuts, budget deficits, and reduced government spending aimed at stimulating economic growth.

Supply-side economics

An economic theory that advocates for lower taxes and decreased regulation to stimulate business and economic growth.

Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

A proposed missile defense system intended to protect the United States from nuclear attack, colloquially known as "Star Wars."

Iran-Contra Affair

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

Clinton's New Democrat

A term for Bill Clinton's centrist political ideology, reflecting a shift away from traditional liberalism toward more moderate, business-friendly policies.

Welfare Reform Bill

Legislation enacted in the 1990s aimed at reducing welfare benefits and encouraging personal responsibility among recipients.

Cultural wars

The ideological conflict in American society over social issues such as abortion, sexuality, and religion that defined the political landscape of the 1980s and 1990s.

Gender gap

The disparity in political views and voting behaviors between men and women, particularly evident during the 1980s and 1990s.

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

A treaty between the United States, Canada, and Mexico that created a trilateral trade bloc in North America, promoting free trade.

Field of dreams

A metaphor used to describe the optimistic vision that America could create the conditions for democracy and prosperity globally after the Cold War.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the United States Constitution, which formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Yuppies

A colloquial term for young urban professionals who became a symbol of materialism and consumer culture in the 1980s.

Congressional budget process

Legislative process where Congress determines how to allocate federal funds, significantly impacted by the rise of deficits during the Reagan era.

Dismantling of the welfare state

The efforts made primarily during the Reagan administration to reduce social safety nets and promote private sector solutions over government intervention.

Populism

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often pitting them against the elite establishment.