Refer to the passage. It is my intention to curb the size and influence of the federal establishment and to demand recognition of the distinction between the powers granted to the federal government and those reserved to the states or to the people. All of us need to be reminded that the federal government did not create the states; the states created the federal government.

–President Ronald Reagan,
First inaugural address,
January 20, 1981

In which of the following instances did Reagan’s actions most clearly exemplify contemporary conservative ideology?

Reagan presided over the largest expansion in the federal workforce in almost 50 years.
Reagan worked with Congress to ensure the long-term financial stability of Social Security.
Reagan issued multiple executive orders to reduce the costs for businesses complying with federal regulations.
Reagan signed tax-reform legislation that raised corporate tax rates in order to reduce the federal deficit.