Question

how did president nixons policies differ from presidents kennedy and johnson?

a. he focused on cutting taxes and federal spending during his term in office.
b. he did not focus on the poor and needy during his term in office.
c. he increased taxes, but only on the rich.
d. he did not expand the space program.

Explanation:

Compare domestic policy priorities

Presidents Kennedy (New Frontier) and Johnson (Great Society) heavily prioritized federal social welfare programs, poverty reduction, and civil rights initiatives. In contrast, President Nixon's domestic policy, often termed "New Federalism," sought to reduce the size and influence of the federal government by shifting more responsibility and funding to state and local governments, thereby moving away from the direct federal focus on social programs for the poor and needy.

Evaluate the given options

• Option (a) is incorrect because Nixon actually struggled with inflation and did not successfully focus on cutting overall federal spending or taxes in a defining way compared to later conservatives.
• Option (b) correctly highlights the shift in focus away from the federal anti-poverty and social welfare programs that defined the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.
• Option (c) is incorrect because Nixon did not implement a tax policy specifically targeting only the wealthy.
• Option (d) is incorrect because Nixon continued to support and oversee the Apollo space program landings, even if funding levels adjusted.

Answer:

• a. He focused on cutting taxes and federal spending during his term in office.
• b. He did not focus on the poor and needy during his term in office. (Correct answer)
• c. He increased taxes, but only on the rich.
• d. He did not expand the space program.