The Economy: Reaganomics

One of President Reagan's most well known policy was his economic changes. Known as "Reaganomics", they aimed to reduce government spending, cut taxes, reduce government influence and regulation, and cut back on inflation through a reduced money supply. Using a spider map, students will define these four major pillars and how they were implemented..

Students may also include extra cells on side-supply economics. To extend this activity, students can use a grid storyboard instead of a spider map and examine the effects of these pillars on the economy both short and long term.

Extended Activity

Have students create a spider map on another president’s economic policies, particularly one with a strong federal influence e.g., FDR, Obama, Nixon. Have them compare and contrast what constituted their policies, their success, and failures. This will allow students to make connections between different ideologies and the ever evolving economy of the United States.