Final answer:
Evangelical Christians in late 1979 were distressed about the perceived decline in family values due to liberal policies such as legalized abortion and the separation of church and state.
Step-by-step explanation:
By late 1979, evangelical Christians had become upset and distressed about what they perceived as a decline in traditional family values. This concern was driven by various issues including the legalization of abortion, stricter enforcement of the separation of church and state, an increasing toleration of homosexuality, and the prohibition of mandatory school prayer. Evangelicals believed these changes threatened American society by undermining traditional morals and advocated for a more conservative approach.
Along with evangelicals, the New Right coalition included other interest groups like fiscal conservatives, who advocated for lower taxes and smaller government, and those who opposed the expansion of civil rights and wished to roll back social changes.
The rise of televangelists and Christian media outlets played a significant role in mobilizing support for the conservative movement, leading to the support of political leaders like Ronald Reagan. These groups hoped to reverse programs such as affirmative action and welfare, while at the same time some supported an increase in government power to ban behaviors they considered sinful and advocated for a stronger national defense budget.