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Connor Loosemore
AP Government and Politics
3rd Period

AP Government and Politics Presidential Report Card

Ronald Reagan
40th President of the United States of America
Presidential term: January 20, 1981 January 20, 1989

Head of State
Delivered his most famous speech while in Berlin, commanding, Mr. Gorbachev, tear
down this wall! (A)
Another of his famous speeches include the 40th year anniversary D-Day speech. (A)
After the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger, Reagan delivered a speech
commemorating the astronauts killed in the explosion. (A)
Overall Grade: A

Chief Executive
His budget proposals led to an economic boom in the 1980s (A)
Appointed Sandra Day OConner to the Supreme Court, although it was to the distaste of
many of his conservative supporters. (B)
Fired over ten thousand air traffic controllers when they became involved in an illegal
strike. Reagan claims that this action was for the public safety. (B)
Overall Grade: B

Chief Administrator
Unemployment rates remained low throughout Reagans presidency, in spite of a brief
economic recession in 1982. (A)
Passed multiple tax laws, lowering income taxes, making the taxation process simpler,
and closing tax loopholes. (A)
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Pushed his economic policies and set the basis for the economic beliefs of the Republican
party. (A)
Overall Grade: A

Chief Diplomat
Organized meetings with foreign leaders to avoid possible nuclear problems. (A)
His foreign policy was peace through strength. (B)
Challenged Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall, shortly thereafter, the wall
was dismantled. (A)
Overall Grade: A

Commander in Chief
Defeated Communism in most nations through the Reagan Doctrine. (A)
Funded anti-socialist groups in Nicaragua, known as the Contras, in an attempt to
overthrow the Nicaraguan socialist government. (B)
Overall Grade: A

Chief Legislator
Vetoed a total of 78 bills while in office. Of these 78, only eight were overturned. (A)
Granted amnesty to illegal immigrants that had entered the country before January 1982.
(B)
Passed Social Security reform acts that adjusted Social Security for new retirees. (A)
Overall Grade: A

Head of Party
Was reelected with 49 out of 50 states electoral votes. (A)
During his presidency, many Republicans took office, and Reagan stayed truthful and
loyal to the Republican party. (A)
After his second term, Reagans Vice President, George H.W. Bush, was elected
President. (A)
Overall Grade: A
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Chief Citizen
Graduated college during the Great Depression. (A)
Didnt micromanage people while he was in office, rather, he used peoples individual
strengths to the advantage. (A)
Acted as a model citizen, before, during, and after his presidency. (A)
Overall Grade: A

Crisis Manager
The United States Embassy hostages being held captive during the Iranian Hostage Crisis
were released shortly after Reagans inauguration. (A)
Negotiated an agreement between multiple nations to avoid a nuclear missile crisis. (A)
Overall Grade: A

Overall Grade
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Category Grade

Head of State A

Chief Executive B

Chief Administrator A

Chief Diplomat A

Commander in Chief A

Chief Legislator A

Head of Party A

Chief Citizen A

Crisis Manager A

Final Grade: A+
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Senior Quote:
I never drink coffee at lunch. I find it keeps me awake for the afternoon.

Teacher Comments:

Ronald Reagan defeated Communism, sparked and economic boom and maintained
loyalty to his party. He also had very high approval ratings, and won reelection by a
landslide. His Vice President, George H.W. Bush, succeeded him in office and many
Republicans took office during his Presidency. However, the methods by which he
conducted foreign affairs were very direct and often used force, although he later became
more open to negotiation.