1980 Election

Following Vietnam, the United States
disagreed regarding many ideas, such as the
Great Society. This led to a decrease in
liberalism. Americans also had not regained
trust in the government since the Watergate
scandal, and many attempts to fight poverty
had failed.

The New Right accuses increased spending on
liberal social programs of being the cause of
stagflation. Great Society programs were also
blamed for the deterioration of traditional
families.

Conservatives also supported many religious
groups who supported traditional values. The
Moral Majority, founded by Reverend Jerry
Falwell, was one such group.

The Equal Rights Act as well as homosexuality
in general were condemned. The Engel v. Vitale
decision was viewed as wrong, and 2 million
more registered to vote as a result of the
movement.

Republican ideals became more resonant in
the South, for the population was moving
this way. Conservatives wanted money for
the people, so many poor liberals switched
sides.

Very optimistic.

Big government, strong military.

His acting career led to him earning a job as a
spokesperson for the General Electric Company,
where he spoke out against big government
and high taxes.

He was involved in Goldwater's campaign; he
was elected governor of California in 1966.

Carter was very close behind despite not very
much campaigning until the last debate. This
was where Reagan pulled ahead.

Despite receiving just over 50% of the votes,
Reagan received 489 electoral votes.

The House of Representatives was Democratic,
but the Senate was Republican.

Liberals in general wanted more government
intervention than conservatives. They also
supported the women's movement and
minorities. They were in favor of social
welfare programs and working with
organizations such as the United Nations.

Conservatives favored economic growth, and
believed that government intervention would
suppress this. They did not want to waste
money on social welfare programs, and they
valued traditional ideas.