The goal of this inquiry is help students understand the central debate about the government’s role in fostering economic opportunity over the past half century. As this is a historical inquiry, it focuses on the motivations, actions, and impacts of two particular US presidents: Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan. Their economic programs stand in for the larger argument that persists today between liberal and conservative approaches to federal economic policy. Thus, the compelling question “How should the president foster economic opportunity?” is intentionally timeless to emphasize its relevance today. Students look at Johnson’s and Reagan’s visions for the economy, the policies they advanced to achieve their visions, and modern interpretations of each president’s legacy.
Compelling Question:
How Should the President Foster Economic Opportunity?
Supporting Question What were Lyndon Johnson’s and Ronald Reagan’s visions for the American economy?
Formative Task Create a graphic organizer that compares and contrasts Johnson’s and Reagan’s visions for the economy.
Sources Source A: Excerpt from Johnson’s “Great Society” speech
Source B: Excerpt from Reagan’s first inaugural address
Supporting Question What policies did Johnson and Reagan advance in order to foster economic opportunity?
Formative Task Develop the graphic organizer to include economic policies advocated by Johnson and Reagan.
Sources Source A: Excerpt from ”Lyndon B. Johnson: Domestic Affairs”
Source B: Excerpt from ”Ronald Reagan: Domestic Affairs”
Supporting Question Did Johnson’s economic policies foster economic opportunity?
Formative Task Participate in a Structured Academic Controversy about the short- and long-term impact of Johnson’s economic policies on economic opportunity.
Sources Source A: Excerpt from “What Was Really Great About the Great Society?”
Source B: Excerpt from “The Slow Decline of America Since LBJ Launched the Great Society”
Supporting Question Did Reagan’s economic policies foster economic opportunity?
Formative Task Participate in a Structured Academic Controversy about the short- and long-term impact of Reagan’s economic policies on economic opportunity.
Sources Source A: Excerpt from “The Real Reagan Economic Record”
Source B: Excerpt from “Reaganomics Killed America’s Middle Class”