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Title of the Paper
Title of the Paper
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Title of the Paper
Domestic and Foreign Policies Of Four President
I.
Introduction
Four significant American presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan. In this
essay we will be comparing all president’s
social and economic policies and how those
policies affect the US. A number of important issues need to be addressed, such as how these
policies affect the country’s power, how they advance democracy and the public interest, how
the constitution handles preemptive wars, and how morality and human rights fit into
American foreign policy. Examining a variety of important national and worldwide topics
revolves around these individuals and their policies.
II.
Economic and Social Improvements
A. Kennedy
The United States had significant social and economic progress under the John F.
Kennedy administration. Kennedy sought to boost economic growth by lowering tax rates,
particularly those pertaining to corporations. His “New Frontier” program aimed to boost
employment and investment. As far as society was concerned, he supported voting rights
legislation, school desegregation, and civil rights legislation (Embree, 1963). Kennedy’s
Alliance for Progress additionally sought to advance social and economic growth as well as
strengthen ties with Latin American countries. The more extensive social and economic
advancement that transpired under his successors’ administrations was made possible by his
programs.
B. Johnson
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Significant social and economic reforms were implemented during Lyndon B.
Johnson’s presidency (Glen, 2017). In terms of the economy, he introduced the “Great
Society” program, which included social security expansion, Medicare and Medicaid
expansion, and education funding in an effort to combat poverty and inequality. Under the
auspices of the “War on Poverty,” the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 provided
underprivileged Americans with employment and job training options. In terms of social
justice, Johnson was a key proponent of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibited
discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This law was a
significant advancement toward social justice and equality in the United States.
C. Nixon
During his presidency, Richard Nixon faced social as well as economic issues. He
implemented measures including wage and price controls and the “Nixon Shock,” or
suspension of the gold standard, in an effort to combat inflation and promote economic
growth. Nevertheless, these actions were divisive and produced contradictory results (Harper,
2022). In order to address the growing environmental concerns, he signed significant
environmental laws like the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act and established the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A major step toward diplomacy and social
participation on the international scene was also taken by Nixon in 1972 during his historic
visit to China, which had an impact on later international relations.
D. Reagan
Ronald Reagan’s conservative social and economic policies defined his presidency. In
terms of the economy, he supported “Reaganomics,” or supply-side economics, which
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emphasizes tax breaks and deregulation as means of fostering economic expansion. The 1986
Tax Reform Act lowered rates and streamlined the tax system (Dobson, 2016). But his
initiatives also made the gap between rich and poor more pronounced. Reagan adopted a
conservative social stance, opposing abortion and promoting traditional family values. His
“War on Drugs” effort resulted in higher rates of incarceration and tougher drug laws. His
social policies were contentious and reflected the era’s ideological division, even as his
economic policies promoted progress.
III.
Strength or Weakness of Policies
The policies of the four presidents
Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan
elicited
both strengths and weaknesses in the United States. The “New Frontier” effort and
Kennedy’s emphasis on tax cuts and economic expansion boosted the American economy.
Nonetheless, socioeconomic differences and civil rights challenges continued to be
prominent features of the country’s social fabric. In spite of strong criticism, his advocacy of
civil rights advanced social progress. Although Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society”
initiative increased government spending, it also achieved progress in decreasing poverty and
increasing access to healthcare and education. His Civil Rights Act was a significant social
accomplishment. However, he intensified the Vietnam War, which led to rifts throughout
society.
While Nixon’s foreign policy accomplishments in China were noteworthy, his
economic initiatives, such as wage and price restrictions and abandoning the gold standard,
had conflicting results. But the Watergate crisis dealt a severe social and political damage to
confidence in institutions and the government. Reagan’s deregulation increased income
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disparity, but his supply-side economics promoted economic development. Although many
people agreed with his conservative social ideals, they caused division.
IV.
Serving the Public Interest and Democracy
The selected presidents, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan, each made
distinctive contributions to serving the public interest and advancing democracy in the United
States.Kennedy’s leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis exemplified his commitment to
national security and the public interest. His support for civil rights, reflected in the executive
order to desegregate public schools, demonstrated his commitment to democratic principles.
Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty” was a clear example of serving the public interest by
addressing economic disparities. His tireless efforts to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and
the Voting Rights Act of 1965 played a pivotal role in advancing democracy by dismantling
racial segregation and ensuring voting rights for all Americans.
Nixon’s establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exemplified a
commitment to protecting the public interest by addressing environmental concerns.
However, his actions during the Watergate scandal eroded trust in democracy, underscoring
the complexity of his legacy. Reagan's economic policies aimed to enhance individual
freedom and reduce government intervention, aligning with democratic principles of limited
government. His presidency saw the end of the Cold War, which contributed to global
democratic expansion.
V.
Preemptive Wars and Constitutionality
Preemptive wars, which entail attacking a threat before it materializes, are a
controversial idea in U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. started the Iraq War out of fear of WMDs,
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which raised doubts about the war’s legitimacy and justification in the wake of 9/11. This is
why the war is relevant today (Gupta, 2008). As commander-in-chief, the president is
empowered by the U.S. Constitution to declare war, but Congress retains ultimate authority.
How these powers are construed will determine whether or not preemptive wars are
constitutional.
A balance between constitutional checks and dealing with actual dangers is necessary,
as the Iraq War prompted debates about whether the president’s authority was being
overreached. Preemptive conflicts highlight the need to use all peaceful options before
waging a war, raising ethical concerns about proportionality and the “just war” theory. The
experience of the Iraq War emphasizes how crucial moral and legal factors are in determining
whether or not such acts are constitutional.
VI.
Human Rights and Morality in Foreign Policy
Morality and human rights have always been essential components of US foreign
policy. They act as guiding principles that demonstrate America’s dedication to promoting
democracy, humanitarian values, and global justice. Promoting human rights improves a
country’s moral standing and has an impact on foreign relations (Kuosmanen, 2021). The
extent to which they ought to serve as the pillars of American foreign policy is still up for
discussion, though. Realpolitik arguments are used by some to support their claim that
putting national interests, security, and stability first should occasionally take precedence.
Others, however, argue that adopting a morally sound foreign policy promotes international
collaboration, kindness, and stability on a worldwide scale. Historical instances, such as the
United States’ contribution to the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
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highlight the important effect morality and human rights may have in forming a country’s
foreign policy
VII.
Conclusion
The examination of Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan’s policies reveals a
complex tapestry of leadership, marked by varying degrees of success and controversy. Each
president left a distinctive mark on the United States. Kennedy and Johnson championed
economic and social progress, with Johnson’s civil rights legacy being particularly
significant. Nixon’s presidency had mixed outcomes, contributing to environmental
protection but marred by the Watergate scandal. Reagan’s economic vision spurred growth
but heightened inequality. These leaders navigated challenges unique to their eras.
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