Cold War Ends
Explain the significance of the 1991 for US History
1991 marks the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War
What is a "third party' in political terms?
Someone not from the two major political parties (Democrat/Republican) that is running for election.
Explain the impact the 2000 presidential election had on the relationship between the executive and judicial branches
the election was so close the outcome came down to disputed results in Florida which led to a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court
Bush V. Gore - supreme court ruled the recount was unconstitutional which resulted in George W. Bush winning the election.
Why is the presidential election of 2008 significant?
Barrack Obama elected as the 1st African American President of the United States.
How has technology changed and improved the quality of life for people in the 21st century: give examples of technology.
personal computer, internet, iphone, robotics - life efficient less hands on example - research internet for information, online sales, robotic assembly lines
Who invaded Kuwait
Iraq - Saddam Hussein
How did Ross Perot affect the 1992 presidential election as a third party candidate?
Perot drew votes away from the two major parties and influenced the election pulling votes from republicans allowing Bill Clinton (democrat) to win election.
How did George W. Bush respond to the attacks of 9/11?
George W. Bush declared war on global terrorism and vowed to defeat Osama, bin Laden and al-Qaeda, the terrorist group responsible for the attack.
Military operations in Afghanistan where the Taliban was hiding Osama bin Laden. By 2002 al-Qaeda is destroyed and Taliban government is overthrown.
Who is Sonia Sotomayor and why is she significant?
Define Free Enterprise
economic system where individuals and businesses have the freedom to make their own economic choices with little government interference; competition allows for better products and lower prices
Why did the United States fear Iraq invading other countries such as Saudi Arabia?
Didn't want Iraq to gain control over a large portion of the world's oil supply.
This Act was signed by President Clinton that allowed workers to take time off to take time with family members.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
What act was developed to help the economy recover from the great recession due to the severe housing market in the US? Explain how it was supposed to help the economy recover.
(ARRA) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - designed to improve the economy by saving and creating jobs.
How has population growth contributed to environmental concerns?
destruction of ecosystems, poor air quality, water pollution, climate change
What was the United States response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait?
The US led a coalition of UN forces against Iraq in the Persian Gulf War, eventually liberating Kuwait from Iraq control.
Why was President Bill Clinton impeached and what impact did his impeachment have on politics?
Clinton was impeached for lying under oath and citizens began to lose trust in elected leaders/government and started holding officials to a higher standard.
What is the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and what are the constitutional issues that are raised by this act?
Explain the goal of the Patriot Act
Patriot Act expanded the government's surveillance powers, increased ability to detain and strengthened border security and immigration policies.
Amendments 1 (speech), 4 (no warrant needed for search), 5, 6 (due process and counsel rights) and 7 reduced judiciary oversight)
The goal: maintain national security and prevent future attacks
What was the Affordable Care Act?
Obama signed this into law with the purpose of expanding access to health insurance and make coverage more affordable for Americans.
Define Culture Diffusion and how it has impacted America
Cultural diffusion is the spread of ideas, customs, beliefs, music and sports from one group of people to another
Impacts in United States - international food, religious holidays, sports
world connected and diverse allowing others to learn from each other
Describe the role the United States played in ending the Cold War.
outspending the Soviet Union on defense forcing their struggling economy to collapse, "Reagan's Peace through strength"
Name two International Trade policies that Clinton supported and give a benefit for each policy.
NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement - lower prices on consumer goods
GATT - General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade - increased access to foreign markets by lowering trade barriers
Name two new departments the government created after 9/11
TSA (Transportation Security Agency) - improve airport safety
Department of Homeland Security - coordinates efforts against terrorism
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - critics argued it dramatically increased the national debt
Affordable Care Act - critics argued it increased government's involvement in healthcare and raised costs for businesses
Changing Demographics
Explain the Rust Belt to Sun Belt migration: why, where
many people left the Northeast and Midwest (rust belt) because of economic decline due to factory closures and increased unemployment
individuals moved to southern states (sun belt) for lower cost of living, job opportunities and warmer weather
causing rapid population in states like Florida, California and Texas