SAQ
QUESTIONS
Answer parts a, b, and c.
a) Briefly explain how conservatives in the 1970s viewed the power of the federal government.
b) Briefly explain how liberals in the 1970s viewed the power of the presidency and the federal government.
c) Briefly identify ONE event in the 1970s relating to the power of the federal government that caused a clash between conservatives and liberals.
SUMMARY
a) Conservatives in the 1970s generally believed that the federal government had become too large and too powerful, especially after the expansion of programs from the New Deal and Great Society. They argued that excessive federal regulation, taxation, and social programs weakened individual responsibility, states’ rights, and free-market capitalism. Many conservatives supported reducing federal control over the economy and returning power to state and local governments.
b) Liberals in the 1970s generally supported an active federal government and believed it was necessary to protect civil rights, regulate the economy, and address social inequalities. However, after events like Watergate, many liberals became more critical of presidential power specifically, fearing that the executive branch had become too strong and potentially abusive. At the same time, they still supported federal action in areas like environmental protection, consumer safety, and civil rights enforcement.
c) One event that caused a clash between conservatives and liberals was the Watergate scandal. The scandal and President Richard Nixon’s resignation led liberals to push for greater oversight and limits on presidential power, while conservatives were more concerned about what they saw as excessive congressional investigations and a weakening of the presidency. This created a major political clash over how powerful the federal government—and especially the executive branch—should be.
QUESTIONS
Answer parts a, b, and c.
a) Briefly explain how conservatives in the 1970s viewed the power of the federal government.
b) Briefly explain how liberals in the 1970s viewed the power of the presidency and the federal government.
c) Briefly identify ONE event in the 1970s relating to the power of the federal government that caused a clash between conservatives and liberals.
SUMMARY
a) Conservatives in the 1970s generally believed that the federal government had become too large and too powerful, especially after the expansion of programs from the New Deal and Great Society. They argued that excessive federal regulation, taxation, and social programs weakened individual responsibility, states’ rights, and free-market capitalism. Many conservatives supported reducing federal control over the economy and returning power to state and local governments.
b) Liberals in the 1970s generally supported an active federal government and believed it was necessary to protect civil rights, regulate the economy, and address social inequalities. However, after events like Watergate, many liberals became more critical of presidential power specifically, fearing that the executive branch had become too strong and potentially abusive. At the same time, they still supported federal action in areas like environmental protection, consumer safety, and civil rights enforcement.
c) One event that caused a clash between conservatives and liberals was the Watergate scandal. The scandal and President Richard Nixon’s resignation led liberals to push for greater oversight and limits on presidential power, while conservatives were more concerned about what they saw as excessive congressional investigations and a weakening of the presidency. This created a major political clash over how powerful the federal government—and especially the executive branch—should be.