What issues gave the Republican Party an opportunity to return to ...

[darbym82]

Question 1

What challenges did women face in the 1990s?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What issues gave the Republican Party an opportunity to return to power in 1994?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[johnpizzaz]

Answer 1

By the 1990s, many women were most concerned with their economic position. Students should be able to describe the challenges that women faced in the workplace, including sexual harassment and the glass ceiling. Also, students may point out growing pressure from anti-abortion groups to limit women's access to abortions. Good students will further describe the challenges many women faced in trying to balance a career and family and how they sought to make the workplace more parent-friendly.

Answer 2

Students should first realize what a historical event it was for Republicans to win control of Congress in 1994 for the first time in forty years. Good students should identify some of Bill Clinton's policies that attracted criticism, including his budget and tax priorities. Also, the administration's failed health care initiative gave more ammunition to conservative critics who claimed the government was trying to take too much power. But students should also be able to take a longer view of the issue, tying the 1994 victory into Reagan's elections in the 1980s as part of a general trend toward conservatism. Good students will also point out that even in 1992, Republicans picked up some seats in Congress. Also, the Republican emphasis on smaller government in the Contract with America resonated with voters as the economy improved in 1994 and people felt more secure.

[darbym82]

TY

[johnpizzaz]

You're welcome