NY Social Studies 11.10c
The Standard
Varying political philosophies prompted debates over the role of the federal government in regulating the economy and providing a social safety net.
New York State K–12 Social Studies Framework
Key Idea 11.10
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGE/DOMESTIC ISSUES (1945 – present): Racial, gender, and socioeconomic inequalities were addressed by individuals, groups, and organizations. Varying political philosophies prompted debates over the role of the federal government in regulating the economy and providing a social safety net.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare how Johnson and Reagan used federal power to shape the economy and support people. They explain causes of the 2008 financial crisis, government responses, and current debates over Social Security, Medicare, and health care.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students use specific policies to show how the Great Society expanded federal programs while Reaganomics stressed tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced domestic spending. They can connect evidence about market failures, public costs, and program funding to arguments about government action.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think Reagan eliminated the social safety net or reduced all federal spending. They may blame the 2008 crisis on one cause, or assume trust fund shortfalls mean Social Security and Medicare immediately disappear.
How to Assess It
- Give an exit ticket: Name one Johnson policy and one Reagan policy, then explain how each shows a different view of federal power.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Sort policy cards labeled Medicare, Medicaid, tax cuts, deregulation, and antipoverty programs into Johnson or Reagan columns, then justify two placements.
Write a paragraph answering: When should the federal government regulate markets or provide benefits, and what evidence supports your limit?
Play policy match: pair each 2008 crisis cause or federal response card with its effect, then correct mismatches as a class.
Examine a sample pay stub and health insurance summary to trace how Social Security, Medicare, and ACA rules affect a household.
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