CONTENT STATEMENT
Political debates focused on the extent of the role of government in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and national security.
CONTENT ELABORATION
In the post-World War II period, the role of the government in influencing the economy continued to be a source of partisan debate. Public opinion on the issue was often influenced by the state of the economy (e.g., poverty, and unemployment). Examples of major economic policies influenced by shifts in public opinion included:
- the Great Society (Medicare and Medicaid); and
- Reaganomics (Supply-Side Economics and Deregulation).
The debate on the government’s role in protecting the environment also increased due to research on the effects of pesticides, pollution, waste disposal, and the extent of climate change. Demands from environmentalists led to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The controversies surrounding the federal government’s role in protecting the country from communist infiltration and subversion continued during the Vietnam War Era. Domestic issues that led to debates over national security included:
- anti-war protests;
- Civil Rights Movement; and
- balance between individual rights and national security.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Explain why the government’s role in the economy, environmental protection, social welfare, and national security became the topic of political debates between 1945 and 1994.