AP U.S. History Flashcards: Reagan and Conservatism
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
What was the conservative argument against liberal social programs?
Conservatives argued that liberal programs were counterproductive in fighting poverty and stimulating economic growth.
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What was the conservative argument against liberal social programs?
Conservatives argued that liberal programs were counterproductive in fighting poverty and stimulating economic growth.
Identify two core beliefs that defined the conservative movement that advanced after 1980.
The movement advanced beliefs in the need for traditional social values and a reduced role for government.
What was the primary cause for the advancement of conservative policies like tax cuts and deregulation after 1980?
The primary cause was Ronald Reagan's victory in the 1980 election, which served as a milestone for the conservative movement.
A debate over the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in the 1990s reflects which ongoing policy debate mentioned from the 1980s?
This reflects the continuing policy debates over free-trade agreements that were prominent in the political discourse after 1980.
What were two key economic policies conservatives enacted following Ronald Reagan’s 1980 victory?
Conservatives enacted significant tax cuts and continued the deregulation of many industries.
Why did conservative efforts to reduce the size of government sometimes fail?
These efforts met with opposition because many government programs, like the social safety net, remained popular with the public.
List three areas of ongoing policy debate after 1980.
Policy debates continued over free-trade agreements, the scope of the government social safety net, and calls to reform the U.S. financial system.
What was the effect of popular opinion on conservative plans to reduce the size of government?
Because many government programs remained popular, conservative efforts to reduce the size of government often met with public opposition.
Identify three social or cultural issues that were subjects of intense debate after 1980.
Intense political and cultural debates occurred over issues such as immigration policy, diversity, gender roles, and family structures.
What milestone did Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential victory represent for conservatives?
His victory was an important milestone that allowed the conservative movement to enact its political and economic agenda.
How did political and cultural debates evolve after 1980?
Intense debates continued over social issues like immigration policy, diversity, gender roles, and family structures.
Reagan-era Conservatism
A political movement that advanced after 1980, characterized by beliefs in traditional social values, tax cuts, deregulation, and a reduced role for the federal government.
Government Social Safety Net
A set of government programs intended to protect citizens, the scope of which was a subject of continuing policy debates after 1980.
A politician in 1982 argues for fewer government rules on the banking industry. This is an example of what policy?
This is an example of deregulation, a key policy pursued by conservatives after Reagan's 1980 victory.