Final answer:
President Nixon implemented the New Federalism, shared federal tax revenues with states, backed welfare initiatives, and formed the EPA, while his civil rights policies slowed desegregation efforts. His economic policies balanced conservative and progressive elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Richard Nixon's domestic policies were often seen as contradictory due to his efforts to navigate the political landscape, appeal to both fiscal conservatives and disaffected Democrats, and work with a Democratically controlled Congress. One of the key concepts he introduced was called the New Federalism, which revolved around sharing federal tax revenues with states to allow them greater autonomy in administration. Nixon's economic practices entailed eliminating the investment tax credit and reducing tax burdens on the poor, while also federalizing the food stamp program and allowing for the inflation adjustment of Social Security payments. Notably, he increased spending for welfare-state programs like Social Security and Medicare. Additionally, he backed environmental initiatives, signifying the impact of public sentiment exemplified by the first Earth Day, which led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In addressing civil rights, Nixon's policies were less progressive. His administration supported efforts to slow down desegregation and was openly against busing to achieve racial integration. Despite this, Nixon did expand affirmative action programs to foster racial minority employment and educational opportunities. In summary, President Nixon's approach was a complex mix of conservativism, expansion of state autonomy, and moderate to supportive efforts towards minorities' economic progress.