U.S. Political History: Rise of Conservatism to Obama

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the rise of conservatism in the 1980s through the Obama administration.

Rise of Conservatism

A political movement in the 1980s opposing big government, liberalism, and advocating traditional family values.

Proposition 13

A 1978 campaign in California to stop the rise of property taxes.

Ronald Reagan

President (1981-1989) known for conservative policies and the implementation of Reaganomics.

Reaganomics

Economic policy characterized by tax cuts for the wealthy, deregulation, and increased military spending.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Leader of the Soviet Union known for policies like Glasnost and Perestroika aimed at reforming the USSR.

Glasnost

Policy introduced by Gorbachev to promote transparency and political freedom in the Soviet Union.

Perestroika

Economic reform policy under Gorbachev that aimed to restructure the Soviet economy.

Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

Reagan's plan to use lasers to prevent nuclear attacks, often referred to as 'Star Wars'.

Persian Gulf War

1990-1991 conflict where the U.S. intervened against Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait.

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement established in 1994 to promote free trade among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Contract with America

A 1994 initiative outlining Republican policy priorities, similar in spirit to past Democratic programs.

Technology Boom

Period marked by rapid growth in technology and internet companies in the 1990s.

Impeachment of Bill Clinton

The 1998 impeachment process of President Clinton for perjury and obstruction of justice related to his affair.

No Child Left Behind

Education reform under George W. Bush focused on increased funding and standardized testing.

War on Terrorism

U.S. military response initiated after the September 11 attacks, including the Iraq War.

Obamacare

Healthcare reform aimed at expanding healthcare coverage to millions of uninsured Americans.

George H.W. Bush

President (1989-1993) who faced economic challenges and the Persian Gulf War.

Election of 1980

Election that brought Reagan to the presidency, supported by groups like the NRA and Moral Majority.

Oral Roberts

Television evangelist who was a key figure in the conservative Christian movement.

Pat Robertson

Television minister and founder of the Christian Coalition who supported Reagan's policies.

Operation Desert Storm

The combat phase of the Persian Gulf War which led to the liberation of Kuwait.

Supply-side economics

Economic theory suggesting that tax cuts for the wealthy will stimulate economic growth and benefit all.

9/11 Attacks

Terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, that led to significant changes in U.S. foreign and domestic policy.

Patriot Act

Legislation enacted after 9/11 allowing increased surveillance and law enforcement capabilities.

Election of 2000

Controversial election where George W. Bush lost the popular vote but won the electoral college.

Financial Crisis of 2008

Economic downturn that led to significant government intervention and the election of Barack Obama.

Stimulus Package

Economic package aimed at job creation and economic recovery during the 2008 financial crisis.

Saddam Hussein

Iraqi leader whose invasion of Kuwait led to the Persian Gulf War.

Berlin Wall

Structure that divided East and West Berlin, its fall in 1989 symbolized the end of the Cold War.

Higher Education Funding

Investment in teacher education and state education systems increased under various administrations.

Healthcare Affordability

Focus of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) to increase access to medical insurance.

Cultural Conservatism

Advocacy for traditional social values, often tied to fundamentalist religious beliefs.

Federalist Society

Conservative and libertarian legal organization that advocates for a textualist and originalist interpretation of the Constitution.

Pro-choice

Belief supporting a woman's right to choose to have an abortion.

Anti-affirmative action

Opposition to policies that favor historically marginalized groups in education and employment.

War on Drugs

Government-led initiative aimed at combating illegal drug use and trade, significantly impacting incarceration rates.

Supply-Side Economics

Economic theory that lower taxes and decreased regulation will stimulate economic growth.

Cold War

Prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States after World War II.

Fundamentalism

Strict adherence to specific theological doctrines, typically associated with religious beliefs.

Militarism

The belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war.

Political Repression

Suppression of political dissent and opposition.

Whitewater Scandal

A real estate controversy that arose during the Clinton administration.

Freedom of Speech

The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint.

Electoral College

The institution established by the Constitution for the election of the president and vice president.