From Roosevelt to Reagan, would you agree that American presidents always acted for the good of America? Argue your case referring to more than one president - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2017

To argue the effectiveness of U.S. presidents from Roosevelt to Reagan, it's crucial to examine the intentions behind their policies and the consequences they led to.

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt: His New Deal was a series of programs aimed at economic recovery during the Great Depression. While many credit him for bringing relief to millions, others criticize the expansion of government power.

2. Lyndon B. Johnson: The Great Society sought to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. However, his commitment to the Vietnam War contradicted these goals, leading to skepticism about his prioritization of domestic welfare over international conflict.

3. Ronald Reagan: Reagan's policies promoted economic growth through deregulation and tax cuts but also generated significant income inequality. His presidency reflects the belief in individual responsibility, yet raised questions about the welfare of the less fortunate.

In summary, while many presidents aimed to act for the good of America, their decisions often involved complex motivations and outcomes.