Activity Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map defining the four pillars of Reaganomics and how they were implemented.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify each pillar of Reaganomics.
- Describe what each pillar aimed to solve and how it was implemented in the economy.
- Create illustrations using appropriate images, scenes, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map defining the four pillars of Reaganomics and how they were implemented.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify each pillar of Reaganomics.
- Describe what each pillar aimed to solve and how it was implemented in the economy.
- Create illustrations using appropriate images, scenes, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about The Economy: Reaganomics
How to guide students in evaluating the real-world impacts of Reaganomics policies
Encourage critical thinking by having students analyze both positive and negative outcomes of Reaganomics. Guide them to use real data, historical perspectives, and different viewpoints to better understand the lasting effects on the U.S. economy.
Select accessible primary sources for classroom analysis
Choose age-appropriate news articles, speeches, or short video clips about Reaganomics for your students. Curated sources help make complex information relatable and spark informed classroom discussions.
Facilitate a debate on the effectiveness of economic policies
Organize a classroom debate where students take on roles of policy supporters and critics. Assign teams, set clear rules, and provide guiding questions so all students can participate and back up their views with evidence.
Connect economic policies to students' daily lives
Ask students to brainstorm ways national economic policies, like tax cuts or spending changes, could affect their families or local communities. This real-world connection helps concepts stick and makes lessons more meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Economy: Reaganomics
What are the four main pillars of Reaganomics?
The four main pillars of Reaganomics are reducing government spending, cutting taxes, decreasing government regulation, and curbing inflation by controlling the money supply. Each pillar aimed to stimulate economic growth and reduce federal involvement in the economy.
How can students create a spider map to explain Reaganomics?
To create a spider map about Reaganomics, students should place the term in the center, then branch out to four sections labeled for each pillar. Under each, write a definition, intended goal, and example of how it was implemented. Illustrations can help visualize each concept.
What is the best way to compare Reaganomics to other presidents' economic policies in class?
The best way is to have students create comparative spider maps or grid storyboards, examining the main features, successes, and failures of Reaganomics versus another president’s economic policies. This encourages critical thinking and connections across time periods.
How did Reaganomics impact the U.S. economy in the short and long term?
Short-term effects included economic growth and lower inflation, but critics note rising deficits and income inequality. Long-term impacts are debated, with some crediting Reaganomics for sustained growth and others highlighting increased debt and reduced social spending.
What is side-supply economics and how does it relate to Reaganomics?
Supply-side economics is the theory that lower taxes and less regulation boost production, leading to economic growth. Reaganomics embraced this idea, aiming to encourage investment and job creation by reducing barriers for businesses.
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Presidency of Ronald Reagan
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