Powell Memorandum, 1971
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A Powell Memorandum, 1971 is a political document written by Lewis F. Powell Jr. that outlined a strategic plan for the U.S. business community to counter growing criticism of capitalism and free enterprise in the 1970s.
- Context:
- It can (typically) advocate for the active mobilization of U.S. Business Interests to influence public opinion, education, and government policy.
- It can (often) suggest the creation of Conservative Think Tanks to promote pro-business perspectives in academia and media.
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- It can range from being a call for corporate political advocacy to a defense of Free Market Capitalism.
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- It can influence the establishment of Business Lobbying Groups in Washington, D.C., to protect business interests from regulation.
- It can lead to the founding of conservative institutions like the Heritage Foundation and the Cato Institute.
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- Example(s):
- The creation of the Heritage Foundation in 1973, following the suggestions in the Powell Memo, to promote conservative economic policies.
- The increased political influence of corporate lobbying groups such as the Business Roundtable in the 1980s, reflecting Powell's vision for business activism.
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- Counter-Example(s):
- The New Deal programs of the 1930s, which represented a government-driven regulatory approach in contrast to the free-market advocacy of the Powell Memorandum.
- The rise of Occupy Wall Street in 2011, which challenged corporate influence in politics and represents an opposition to Powell's call for increased corporate advocacy.
- See: Heritage Foundation, Business Lobbying, Free Market Capitalism, Cato Institute, Corporate Political Advocacy