Evaluate the impact of the domestic policies of Eisenhower.

This question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of the domestic policies of Eisenhower weighing up the strengths and limitations of those policies. Eisenhower’s domestic policies were known as “dynamic conservatism”. It attempted to slow down the increased government involvement from the New Deal and Fair Deal. Candidates may refer to the expansion of coverage and benefits of Social Security, increased college student loans and increased federal funding for the teaching of science and math in response to the Soviet launch of Sputnik. Eisenhower was also responsible for the National Highway Act, which started the interstate highway system, and the St. Lawrence Seaway Agreement with Canada. Candidates may also refer to Eisenhower’s enforcement of Supreme Court decisions outlawing segregation in schools, such as at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas and the passage of two civil rights bills. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This question required that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of the domestic policies of Eisenhower weighing up the strengths and limitations of those policies. There were a few weak responses that discussed New Look foreign policy.