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Reaganomics: Graphic Organizer

A completed teacher graphic organizer and a matching blank student version both walk through Reaganomics' four core policy aims alongside a passage on supply-side economics and the 1981-1982 recession.
Grades
Grades 8–11, Middle School, High School
File type
PDF
Preparation
Print ready

Updated Apr 26, 2023

Subject
Social Studies, History, History: USA
Topic
Reaganomics, Economic policies
Resource types
Teacher Tools, Graphic Organizers
Preparation
Print ready

About this resource

What's inside this resource

Reaganomics: Graphic Organizer

A valuable teaching resource, this comprehensive tool simplifies the complex subject of Reagan's economic policies. It is designed for students from grades 8 to 11. Particularly, educators working with subjects in Social Studies, specifically within the subdomain of USA History.

Key Principles

This graphic organizer focuses on 'Reaganomics', the economic approach used by President Ronald Reagan during his tenure from 1981-1989. The strategies covered include:

  • Supply-side economics
  • Monetarism
  • Deregulation
    • The graphics depict how these mechanisms were implemented to stimulate economic growth and boost job creation through decreases in taxes, reductions in government expenditure, and relaxing regulations across industries.

      Policy Changes Under Reagan's Administration

      Notably, important policy changes such as Tax Reform Act of 1986 aimed at simplifying tax code while promoting fairness and efficiency are discussed. The reasoning behind reducing government spending within social welfare programs is also explored – an attempt to downsize federal involvement while increasing individual contributions.

      Critical Perspectives on Reaganomics

      Included within it is an examination of arguments both praising and critiquing "Reaganomics". This promises exposure to critical thinking exercises around pertinent ongoing debates.

      An Excellent Classroom Tool

      This effective method stimulates classroom discussion or debate among peers during group study sessions or even when given as homework assignments.

      The Package Includes:
      1. A detailed teacher version with answers which can serve as a 'key'.
      2. A student template for filling in the blanks to confirm an understanding of Reaganomics.

      Available in a PDF format, this classroom-ready resource can plunge educators and students into the depths of a significant era in American economic history.

In the classroom

Teaching tips & learning objectives

Learning objectives

  • Explain the theory behind supply-side economics as applied under Reaganomics

  • Identify the four stated aims of Reagan's economic policy: reduced domestic spending growth, lower marginal tax rates, reduced business regulation, and controlled money supply

  • Connect Reaganomics to the 1981-1982 recession and the resulting federal deficits

Teaching tips

  • Distribute the blank version first, then use the completed version to check answers or guide a class discussion

  • Read the Reagan quote aloud before assigning the passage to frame the philosophy behind supply-side economics

  • Pair the organizer with a discussion or debate on the deficits versus growth attributed to Reagan's policies, since the passage presents both outcomes

Skills covered

  • Historical policy analysis — students read a passage on Reaganomics and identify its four stated policy aims within a graphic organizer.

  • Economic reasoning — students trace supply-side economic theory from tax cuts through savings, investment, and lower consumer prices.

  • Primary-source interpretation — students connect Reagan's own quote about government regulation to the policies described in the passage.

Good to know

Questions teachers ask about this resource

What historical outcome does the passage connect to Reaganomics?

The severe 1981-1982 recession, described as the worst since the Great Depression, along with the federal deficits many attributed to Reagan's tax and spending policies.

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