Answer:
During his presidency, Ronald Reagan significantly changed the role of government in the United States.
Two specific changes that occurred during his presidency are:
1. Deregulation:
Reagan implemented a series of deregulatory policies that aimed to reduce government intervention in the economy. He believed that excessive regulations stifled economic growth and innovation. One notable example is the deregulation of the airline industry through the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. This act removed government control over fares, routes, and market entry, leading to increased competition and lower prices for consumers. Reagan's deregulation efforts also extended to industries such as telecommunications, energy, and finance.
2. Tax cuts and supply-side economics:
Reagan's economic policies, often referred to as Reaganomics, included significant tax cuts across the board. The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 reduced individual tax rates and lowered the top marginal tax rate from 70% to 50%. These tax cuts were aimed at stimulating economic growth and incentivizing investment and job creation. Reagan believed in the concept of supply-side economics, which posits that reducing tax rates will lead to increased productivity and economic expansion. The tax cuts implemented during his presidency were seen as a shift towards a more limited role for government in the economy.