Final answer:
Ronald Reagan's presidential term saw economic stimulation through tax cuts and defense spending, known as Reaganomics. While it reduced unemployment and inflation, it also resulted in a significant increase in the federal deficit.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Ronald Reagan took office, he introduced a new economic philosophy aimed at stimulating the economy. This approach, known as Reaganomics, involved cutting taxes, particularly for the wealthy, and investing in defense, with the aim to boost the economy and job creation. Although his policies led to a decrease in unemployment and inflation rates, they also resulted in a substantial increase in the nation's deficit. This economic deficit rose as the federal government spent more than it earned, largely due to increased defense spending and significant tax cuts. Critics often highlight the increasing income gap and federal deficit as negative consequences of Reagan's policies.