Factors causing Reagan, a conservative Republican, to get elected in 1980
Short term factors
strong military and faith in traditional values
more charismatic and polished
are you better off than you were 4 years ago? NO
Carter looked lame
rise of religious groups such as the Moral majority
Great Society made poverty worse
felt liberal policies were responsible for stagflation
unraveling of democratic party
allowed free markets and private organizations; which was good because many people owned private businesses due to mistrust in the government
Long Term Factors
population trends rose
growing conservative movement
criticized big government and high taxes
wanted to rely on our own national defense to fight against communism in other countries
inflation and "throwing money at the problem", hence they sought to reduce taxes and limit government regulation of industry in order to promote economic growth
