Liberals
Valued social programs, believed federal
government should play a role in improving American
lives, and sponsored laws that protected the rights
of minorities and women.
Degeneration
Modern youth dovetailed with many
conservatives' religious beliefs
Federal Government
Watergate, the oil crises of the 1970s,
and the Iran hostage crisis further weakened
the public's faith in the federal government
Busing
Republicans attacked school busing as a form
of social engineering that threatened the long-cherished
ideal of neighborhood schools.
Migration
Republicans benefited from the migration
from the Rust Belt to the Sunbelt as it was
a historical realignment of white voters.
New Right
Resurgent conservative movement
that grew rapidly and was a coalition
of several different groups with varying ideas
and goals.
Many believed the liberal policies were responsible
for stagflation and other economic problems. They complained about unfunded mandates that were programs that required but not not paid for by the federal government.
Moral Majority
Reverend Jerry Falwell in 1979, founded this
political organization that worked to fulfill religious
goals. They boosted the Republican Party's chances of
winning the presidency by reaching out to Americans
who had traditionally not participated in the political
process.
Suburbs
An increasing numbers of Americans moved to the
suburbs, their attachment t liberalism waned as they
struggled financially during the tough economic days.
Goldwater Conservative
Reagan criticized a big government and high taxes
and warned of the dangers of communism
Debate
Reagan appeared friendly and even-tempered and calmed
fears that he did not have enough experience to serve as President.