Question

ronald reagan wanted to ______ the powers of the federal government.

a. limit
b. strengthen
c. steady
d. all the above.

Explanation:

Analyze Reagan's political philosophy

Ronald Reagan was a leading figure in the modern conservative movement. A core tenet of his political philosophy was "New Federalism," which advocated for reducing the size, influence, and spending of the federal government while returning more authority to state and local governments.

Examine domestic policy goals

In his first inaugural address in 1981, Reagan famously stated, "Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." This belief directly motivated his efforts to deregulate industries, cut federal income taxes, and reduce the growth of government spending on social programs.

Connect to the question options

Because Reagan's primary domestic goal was to reduce the scope and reach of Washington, D.C., he wanted to limit the powers of the federal government. This aligns with option (a). He did not seek to strengthen federal powers, which rules out options (b) and (d).

Relate to foreign policy context

While the student has mastered Reagan Foreign Policy, which often involved strong federal action in defense spending and international relations, his domestic agenda was strictly focused on limiting federal intervention in the economy and daily life.

Answer:

• a. Limit (Correct answer)
• b. Strengthen
• c. Steady
• d. All the above.