In his first Inaugural address on January 20, 1981, President Ronald Reagan addresses major issues affecting the nation, including rising inflation, the Iran hostage crisis, and unemployment.
His speech points out that the government was part of the problem in that present economic distress, not just the nation alone. By defining and keeping in check the power and influence of the government, Americans could work together to recover and build a better future. He created a distinction between the powers granted to the Government and the power reserved for the nation. He reminded us that the Federal Government did not create the Nation; The Nation made the Federal Government.
"It is time to check and reverse the growth of government, which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed. "
