The conservatives promoted the idea of rebuilding the American capitalism, which seemed to have faltered during John K. Galbraith’s influence of “affluent society”. Conservatives thought that Galbraith’s doctrine meant rolling back the government and shrinking its size in radical terms to manageable levels including removal of massive programs like social security (Karaagac, p. 31-47). Conservatives never thought in these terms, rather, they thought of more efficient ways. They wanted to see the government function better, and not simply reduce its size. Further, they wanted the government to least intrusive in people’s daily lives, as individuals would seek to make their lifestyles. Additionally, conservatives favored extinction of communism rather that containing it. As proponents of the “democratic capitalism”, they proposed an expansion of world trade (Karaagac, p. 31-47).
Without any doubts, Ronald Reagan substantially shaped the ideologies and directions of the conservative group in a manner that no one else did, especially in the 20th century. He affirmed and advanced some of the group’s ideas while also ignoring and rejecting others. Reagan appreciated and confessed the efforts made by all conservatives (see fig. 1). Importantly, however, he only made use of those ideas which were matching with his own well-developed general philosophy and sense of mission. As a leader of this movement, rebuilding the country’s economy was one of the two fundamental pillars manifested in his mission. The other pillar, of course, was to defeat, and not just contain Communism. He, therefore, gathered policy suggestions and ideas from all conservative quarters which could have assisted him in realizing his mission. At the end of it all, most of the ideas drawn from Neoconservative side of the movement befitted him well than those drawn from other branches (Karaagac, p. 31-47).
The impacts of the movement were indeed felt in significant proportions. Reagan, in particular, did change the view of conservatism by exercising his sheer personality powers and abilities to engineer political process (see fig. 2). It is evident that the ideas that he offered support for earned prominence whereas those that he opposed fell by the way. For instance, the neoconservative ideas touching on governmental power and economics are still prominently reflected in the present Republican Party. This means that government receives support from conservatives in similar scale to Democrats with the belief that the government needs to tinker with markets unlike being completely free.
There has been mixed perception regarding the ground gained by conservatism since the Reagan times. In 2000 elections, for instance, conservative power was expected to win. Ironically, it evolved in attempts to meet the changing conditions similar to how it happened in Reagan’s hands. However, conservatism is likely to be thrown on the fringes as far as American politics are concerned, in the darkness as it were, perhaps until another type of Reagan come to lead. But it is clear that for another Republican to lead the Reagan-model, he /she would require well-articulated goals coupled with very forceful and winsome personalities.
Leadership
In recent American history, I feel that President Bill Clinton had most of the positive impacts compared to the other recent leaders. For instance, the rate of crime fell each year during Clinton’s presidency, and in fact, reached a 26-year low when his term ended. His 1994 Crime Bill, in particular, contained bans on assault weapons which eventually contributed to 40% reduction in gun crimes by the year 2001 (Karaagac, p. 31-47). Additionally, on matters regarding national security and defense, he presided over the modernization of the county’s military base that enhanced efficiency and readiness. The focus, during his administration, was on precise weapons and the application of GPS technology, which resulted in lower rates of casualties, collateral damages, and increased communication. Moreover, he increased benefits and pay for military staff. On the economy, the country transited from having the biggest budget deficit in 1992 ($290 billion) to a budget surplus in 2001 ($127 billion). Further 22.5 million new job opportunities were established, and consequently, the rate of unemployment dropped to 4.0% from the previous 7.5% before his election. Also, in 1999, poverty level dropped to 11.8%, the lowest it had ever been since 1979 (Karaagac, p. 31-47). Other positive impacts were made in sectors such as education, environment, health and social policy.
Directive leaders assist in providing psychological structures for their members through clear communications of expectations, maintenance of agenda and schedules, offering specific guidelines as members work towards completing their tasks, and assuming the lead when it comes to communicating and setting procedures and rules. Their success or failure depend on their motivational abilities which aim at encouraging productivity by enhanced positive reward or reinforcement, and not threats and punishments. On the other hand, Participative leaders work by including members in the process of decision-making by considering and soliciting their suggestions and opinions. These leaders tend to succeed or fail depending on the freedom levels that they grant their members. Another type of leaders is the Supportive leaders, who show the concern of the emotions and needs of their followers. They support the welfare of their members through the creation of friendly and positive atmosphere. Their success or failure depends on their abilities at reducing frustration and stress levels among members which are the key element in creating a positive atmosphere.
The best leaders do possess desired leadership traits including one who understands the governance system that is in place, and is capable of grasping the reality that exists between the various arms of government. Leaders need to talk truthfully to their followers and resolute in drawing and respecting red lines regarding foreign or outside policies (see fig. 3). Above all, chosen leaders need to be problem-solvers as leadership role is to fight and minimize problems that range from all quotas of life.
Government
The expanded role of federal government has led to significant changes in the lives of many Americans. The individual enterprise, old-style capitalism have paved way for the progressive and welfare capitalism, or rather an organizational economy. Thus, the federal government, in small and large ways, pervades every American life. Below are few programs pointing the vast range of federal government financial-economic responsibilities and activities today. For instance, the regular checks program that sees around 25 million Americans (including federal workers, veterans, farmers, social security recipients, and armed forces) - for which one adult drew from every five, receive regular checks from the federal government. Other countless individuals get occasional payments.
Again, at the conclusion of 1958, foods were being given to over 5 million Americans who were regarded as the ‘needy persons’ by the federal warehouses. This was part of the federal farm programs where farmers who had marketing quotas and acreage controls, having priced their commodities out of the market prices and piled up further surpluses were being regimented. Again, nearly 2 million individuals reside in the government-subsidized housing (Karaagac, p. 31-47). Given that all level of governmental taxes demands more than a quarter of the overall national production, they are heavily levied on enterprise, work, as well as capital accumulation (“Bank, First National City.”). However, there is direct competition by the federal government with private enterprises through operations of thousands of business-industrial facilities.
In the field of finances, there exist more than 100 federal lending, guaranteeing and insuring agencies covering housing, agriculture, commerce, industry, foreign investment and trade, and local government bodies. These lending programs assist citizens by offering direct, guaranteed or insured loans. Besides these lending programs, other federal aids are being accorded to individuals, localities and states. These kinds of government expansions allow for approximately one individual from a population of six Americans is employed and attached to the government payroll. Lives have changed to the extent that since 1900, for instance, nongovernment employment opportunities have increased by 100% whereas government employment opportunities-local, state and federal have increased by over 650% (“Bank, First National City.”)
The expansion of government authorities in other areas such as the Social Security Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, the Securities the Federal Housing Commission and Exchange Commission have all made the function of government more expanded in our day-to-day lives (“Bank, First National City”). For example, with particular regards to the Social Security Administration, representation of enormous government authorities’ expansions that are being mandated with the establishments of retiring accounts that protect the benefit rights of retirees.
Foreign Policy
Throughout the major part of the 20th century, United States of America struggled in defining their fundamental purposes with regards to foreign policy; whether they were to intervene outside in promotion of others’ welfare or securing the liberty and lives of the American population. Successive regimes aimed at preventing any single nation from dominating strategic power centers both in Asia and Europe (Brzezinski, p. 708-727). To this extent, the country took part in two world wars and participated in four-decade-long Cold War against the Soviet Union in which America achieved its primary foreign policy goal. In the 1990s, the foreign policy focused on consolidation of success. This time round, instead of war, the country set out and created peaceful democratic Europe. September 11 marked the conclusion of geopolitics and ushered in the new age, known as the global politics.
The United States’ international powers during this period were grounded in their economic strength. For instance, during 1900 period, even before the acquisition of established army, the US was already considered a powerhouse and seen to develop into the great nation in the future. By the year 1920, it had already earned the supreme world’s financial power, having toppled UK at WW I. and at the time of 1945, US had become apparently the only financial power as the majority of the nations had been devastated during WW II (Brzezinski, p. 708-727). The country dominated world affairs in the period immediately after WW II. Victorious from that massive struggle, its homeland clear from any damage, America was very confident of its mission both at home and abroad. Other than the Cold War, the US was drawn into these other wars by the actions of their rivals. In the case of September 11, for instance, the bombing prompted the country to retaliate. The consequences of involvements in these wars include tainted relationships with other nations, Japan, and Russia, in particular.
Work Cited
Karaagac, John. Between Promise and Policy: Ronald Reagan and Conservative Reformism. Lexington Books, (2012): 31-47.
"Welcome to the Online Archive of the Old PublicEye.Org Website." PublicEye.org. The Public Eye, Sept. 2009. Web. 21 May 2016. <http://www.publiceye.org/magazine/v24n2/remembering-new-right.html>.
Bank, First National City. "Government's Expanded Role." FEE Freeman Article. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2016. <https://fee.org/articles/governments-expanded-role/>.
Brzezinski, Zbigniew. "US Foreign Policy: The Search for Focus." Foreign Affairs 51.4 (2013): 708-727.
