The goal of this inquiry is help students understand the central debate about the government’s role in fostering economic opportunity over the past half century. As this is a historical inquiry, it focuses on the motivations, actions, and impacts of two particular US presidents: Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan. Their economic programs stand in for the larger argument that persists today between liberal and conservative approaches to federal economic policy. Thus, the compelling question “How should the president foster economic opportunity?” is intentionally timeless to emphasize its relevance today. Students look at Johnson’s and Reagan’s visions for the economy, the policies they advanced to achieve their visions, and modern interpretations of each president’s legacy.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How Should the President Foster Economic Opportunity?
Staging Question
View and discuss economic-themed campaign commercials from the 1964 and 1980 presidential campaigns provided by the Museum of the Moving Image’s Living Room Candidate resources.
What were Lyndon Johnson’s and Ronald Reagan’s visions for the American economy?
Formative TasksCreate a graphic organizer that compares and contrasts Johnson’s and Reagan’s visions for the economy.
SourcesSource A: Excerpt from Johnson’s “Great Society” speech
Source B: Excerpt from Reagan’s first inaugural address
What policies did Johnson and Reagan advance in order to foster economic opportunity?
Formative TasksDevelop the graphic organizer to include economic policies advocated by Johnson and Reagan.
SourcesSource A: Excerpt from ”Lyndon B. Johnson: Domestic Affairs”
Source B: Excerpt from ”Ronald Reagan: Domestic Affairs”
Did Johnson’s economic policies foster economic opportunity?
Formative TasksParticipate in a Structured Academic Controversy about the short- and long-term impact of Johnson’s economic policies on economic opportunity.
SourcesSource A: Excerpt from “What Was Really Great About the Great Society?”
Source B: Excerpt from “The Slow Decline of America Since LBJ Launched the Great Society”
Did Reagan’s economic policies foster economic opportunity?
Formative TasksParticipate in a Structured Academic Controversy about the short- and long-term impact of Reagan’s economic policies on economic opportunity.
SourcesSource A: Excerpt from “The Real Reagan Economic Record”
Source B: Excerpt from “Reaganomics Killed America’s Middle Class”
Summative Performance Task
Argument: How should the president create economic opportunity? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, or essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views.
Extension: Write a letter to the current president advocating for or against an action the president claims will foster economic opportunity.
Taking Informed Action
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