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Difficulty: EasyThe Conservative Movement and the Election of 1980

"The business of government is to protect our lives and property, not to redistribute our wealth. This tax limitation movement is a warning to the politicians that the people are tired of seeing their hard-earned dollars wasted on bloated bureaucracies and programs that do not work."
—Howard Jarvis, speech on Proposition 13, 1978

The ideas expressed in the excerpt most directly contributed to which of the following developments in the late 1970s and early 1980s?

  1. The formation of a new conservative coalition that advocated for tax cuts and deregulationAnswer
  2. B
    The expansion of federal spending on social welfare programs associated with the Great Society
  3. C
    The passage of environmental and consumer protection laws that expanded the federal regulatory state
  4. D
    The implementation of Keynesian economic policies designed to stimulate consumer demand through government deficits

Answer

The formation of a new conservative coalition that advocated for tax cuts and deregulation
The correct answer is correct because the grassroots tax revolt in the late 1970s, highlighted by Proposition 13 in California, reflected growing public dissatisfaction with inflation, government spending, and taxation. This sentiment was a critical pillar of the new conservative coalition that united economic conservatives, social conservatives, and suburban voters, helping to elect Ronald Reagan in 1980 on a platform of tax cuts and deregulation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the source material to identify the core message.
The excerpt by Howard Jarvis in 1978 criticizes government spending, wealth redistribution, and 'bloated bureaucracies,' advocating instead for tax limitations.
Understanding the context of the tax revolt (Proposition 13) is necessary to connect it to broader political trends.
2
Relate the core message to the political developments of the late 1970s and the 1980 election.
The grassroots tax revolt was a major component of the rising conservative movement, which culminated in the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Connecting the stimulus to the target historical period and political realignment is key to finding the correct development.
3
Evaluate the options to find the development that aligns with the tax limitation movement's goals.
The creation of a conservative coalition advocating for tax cuts and deregulation matches the anti-spending, anti-taxation goals expressed in the excerpt.
Selecting the option that reflects the historical outcome of the tax revolt completes the analysis.

Key Concept

The Conservative Movement and the Election of 1980

Hints

1
Consider what Howard Jarvis is criticizing: government spending and taxes.
Estimated Time:45s
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The Conservative Movement and the Election of 1980

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