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Which of the following policies were pursued by President Ronald Reagan during his presidency?

  1. Easing of tensions with the Soviet Union

  2. Increasing regulation of business

  3. Increasing funding of social welfare programs

  4. Lowering taxes to stimulate the economy

The correct answer is: Easing of tensions with the Soviet Union

During Ronald Reagan's presidency, one of the key policies he pursued was the easing of tensions with the Soviet Union, particularly in the later years of his administration. Initially, Reagan had taken a hardline stance against the Soviet Union, referring to it as the "Evil Empire" and significantly increasing military spending. However, as his second term progressed, he engaged in a series of arms reduction talks with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, exemplified by treaties such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty of 1987. This shift not only reduced the immediate threat of nuclear confrontation but also played a significant role in the eventual conclusion of the Cold War, marking a transformative period in U.S.-Soviet relations. In contrast, increasing regulation of business and increasing funding of social welfare programs were not aligned with Reagan's policies; in fact, his administrations were known for deregulation and cuts to social welfare programs as part of his broader economic strategy. Lowering taxes to stimulate the economy reflects another of his significant policies, commonly referred to as "Reaganomics," which involved significant tax cuts aimed at promoting investment and economic growth. While both easing tensions with the Soviet Union and lowering taxes were hallmark policies of Reagan's presidency, the focus on