Who were Ronald Reagan and Franklin Roosevelt? What viewpoint did they share about the presidential term of office?

History · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020

Answered on

Ronald Reagan and Franklin D. Roosevelt were both influential U.S. presidents who served during critical periods in American history, albeit with differing political ideologies and approaches to governance.

  • Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR): He was a Democratic president who served during the Great Depression and World War II. FDR's presidency, spanning from 1933 to 1945, introduced the New Deal, a series of programs aimed at alleviating the economic hardships of the Great Depression through government intervention. He believed in an active role for the federal government in addressing economic and social issues, advocating for social welfare programs, infrastructure projects and financial reforms to stimulate the economy and provide relief to the American people.
  • Ronald Reagan: He was a Republican president who served during the 1980s. Reagan's presidency, from 1981 to 1989, was associated with conservative policies emphasizing free-market principles, tax cuts, deregulation and a strong national defense. He believed in limited government intervention in the economy, advocating for lower taxes reduced government spending and a more assertive foreign policy stance against the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

While Reagan and Roosevelt held differing political viewpoints, they shared a perspective about the presidential term of office:

  • Viewpoint on Presidential Term: Both Reagan and Roosevelt demonstrated the ability to win multiple terms as president. Roosevelt was elected to an unprecedented four terms (although later term limits were imposed), while Reagan served two terms. They both believed in the importance of strong leadership and effective governance, having successful political careers that extended beyond a single term. Their shared viewpoint could be seen in their ability to articulate their vision, gain popular support and effectively lead the country through challenging times, leaving a significant impact on American politics and policies.