Reagan Era

Which factor did NOT contribute to Ronald Reagan's coalition in the 1980 election?

• A. Support from the Moral Majority (religious conservatives)

• B. Backing from working-class white voters resentful of civil rights gains

• C. Strong support from labor unions because of his pro-union policies

• D. Support from Cold War hawks who favored increased military spending

When John Green discusses what Reagan meant by "freedom," which of the following options best represents Reagan's emphasis?

• A. Freedom as protection by government from hunger and homelessness

• B. Freedom as economic freedom — lower taxes and reduced regulation

• C. Freedom meaning increased federal welfare programs

• D. Freedom defined primarily as international human rights intervention

Which major tax change occurred during Reagan's presidency?

• A. The top tax rate was increased to 90% in 1981

• B. The top tax rate was lowered from 70% to 50% in 1981, and later to 28% in 1986

• C. The federal income tax was abolished entirely in 1986

• D. Reagan introduced a universal basic income to offset lower taxes

What short-term economic effect occurred after implementing high interest rates and tax cuts early in Reagan's term?

• A. Immediate rapid wage growth for middle-class workers

• B. A recession in 1981–1982 followed by decreased inflation and later expansion

• C. Hyperinflation that continued through the 1980s

• D. Instant elimination of national debt

Which statement best describes government spending during the Reagan era?

• A. Reagan successfully cut overall federal spending, including defense, to reduce the deficit

• B. Spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid was eliminated

• C. Overall federal spending increased, largely because defense spending rose dramatically

• D. All government programs were fully privatized under Reagan

Which of these is an example John Green uses to show cultural or economic trends of the 1980s?

• A. The launch of the New Deal

• B. The merger of RJ Reynolds and Nabisco, creating large profits for lawyers and bankers

• C. The abolition of Wall Street as a financial center

• D. A nationwide ban on television dramas like Dallas and Dynasty

According to the video, which social outcome is linked to deregulation and policy shifts in the 1980s?

• A. A dramatic decrease in homelessness due to expanded mental health services

• B. Closure of many mental hospitals without adequate replacements, contributing to increased homelessness

• C. Universal healthcare coverage introduced nationwide

• D. The complete end of economic inequality by the mid-1990s

How did Reagan's foreign policy toward the Soviet Union change between his first and second terms?

(Refer to timestamp 10:15-11:02 for additional info)

• A. He increased hostile rhetoric and escalated nuclear deployments in his second term

• B. He maintained exactly the same stance throughout both terms with no negotiations

• C. He was more confrontational in his first term, then became more conciliatory and negotiated arms reductions in his second term

• D. He immediately sought to abolish NATO in his second term

The Iran–Contra affair involved which of the following actions by members of the Reagan administration?

• A. Legal congressional approval for covert funding of the Contras

• B. Selling arms to Iran and diverting some proceeds to fund the Contras despite a congressional ban

• C. Direct presidential command to invade Nicaragua with U.S. troops

• D. An international treaty to recognize the Sandinista government

How does John Green ultimately suggest we understand the Reagan era?

• A. As the actions of one single "great man" who alone decided America's direction

• B. As solely a failure with no long-term consequences

• C. As part of broader social and political forces, where collective decisions shape meanings of freedom and equality

• D. As an era when America returned exactly to its 18th-century government model