Inquiries Filed Under:

Johnson and Reagan

About the inquiry

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?

Staging Question

View and discuss economic-themed campaign commercials from the 1964 and 1980 presidential campaigns provided by the Museum of the Moving Image’s Living Room Candidate resources.

Supporting Question

What were Lyndon Johnson’s and Ronald Reagan’s visions for the American economy?

Formative Tasks

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 Tasks

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 Tasks

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 Tasks

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”

Summative Performance Task

Argument: How should the president create economic opportunity? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, or essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Write a letter to the current president advocating for or against an action the president claims will foster economic opportunity.

Taking Informed Action

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