Apush final test 6/4

Supply Side Economics

Reagan promoted supply side economics, or “trickle-down” theory, which argued that cutting taxes on corporations and the wealthy would lead to investment and job creation. In practice, the policy significantly lowered taxes for high-income Americans. Supporters believed it would grow the economy overall. However, it disproportionately benefited businesses and the rich. It hurt the poor by reducing funding for social welfare programs, making inequality worse.

New Federalism

New Federalism was Reagan’s attempt to reduce federal control by giving states more responsibility, especially for welfare and social programs like food stamps. The idea was that local governments could manage these systems more efficiently. But in reality, most states lacked the funding and resources to handle these programs. As a result, the policy failed. It was part of Reagan’s broader effort to shrink the size of the federal government.

Morning in America

“Morning in America” was a campaign ad from Reagan’s 1984 re-election, showing the country as prosperous, peaceful, and unified. It portrayed small-town optimism and confidence in the American Dream. Though it didn’t reflect the reality of many Americans’ struggles, it created a powerful national myth. The ad promoted nationalism and a culture of success, with 1980s materialism becoming a defining trend. It echoed older ideas like Manifest Destiny and Jeffersonian optimism.

Causes of the Culture Wars

The 1990s culture wars were conflicts between conservatives and liberals over identity, values, and America’s future. One cause was pluralism—fear that by 2040–2050, the U.S. would become a minority-majority nation. Another was the 1965 Immigration Act, which allowed skilled immigrants and their families to come from non-European regions, increasing diversity. Multiculturalism also sparked debate, as critics believed it promoted minority identity over assimilation. These tensions reflected a continuation of earlier culture clashes, like those seen in the 1920s.

Examples of the Culture Wars

California became a key battleground in the 1990s culture wars. Proposition 187 attempted to bar undocumented immigrants from public education and services, and a 1998 law banned bilingual education. Both were later overturned in court or repealed. These policies reflected public fears over immigration and cultural change. They also highlighted the divide between inclusive and assimilationist visions of American identity.

The 2000 Election

The 2000 presidential election was one of the most controversial in U.S. history. George W. Bush ran as an outsider promising unity, while Al Gore was a policy expert and Clinton’s former vice president. Gore won the popular vote, but the Electoral College result came down to Florida. A recount was demanded due to voting issues, but the Supreme Court stopped it in a 5-4 decision, handing Bush the win. Ralph Nader, a third-party candidate, also drew votes from Gore in key states.

Bush’s Domestic Policy

Bush implemented major tax cuts, including the elimination of the estate tax and reductions in income tax rates. These cuts were intended to stimulate the economy but were criticized for favoring the wealthy. His signature education policy was No Child Left Behind, aimed at improving school standards, especially in low-income areas. It introduced standardized testing in math and reading from grades 3 to 12. Data collection focused especially on English learners and racial minority students.

War on Terror

After 9/11, Bush launched the War on Terror to dismantle terrorist networks, starting with an invasion of Afghanistan to remove the Taliban. He signed the USA PATRIOT Act, which expanded surveillance and gave the government greater authority to detain suspects. The administration also used enhanced interrogation techniques, including torture, to extract information. Critics argued these actions violated civil liberties and international law. Supporters believed the measures were needed to protect national security.

Iraq War and Consequences

In 2003, Bush claimed Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and links to terrorism, using that to justify an invasion. The U.N. refused to support the war, and no WMDs were found. The war led to hundreds of thousands of Iraqi deaths and the displacement of millions, creating a refugee crisis. It also destabilized the region and allowed Iran to rise as a regional power. The Iraq War remains one of the most criticized actions of Bush’s presidency.

Obama’s Rise to Presidency

Barack Obama was elected in 2008 due to several major factors. His charisma and message of hope inspired millions of new voters. The economic collapse caused by the Great Recession hurt the Republicans’ popularity. Many Americans were also angry about the Iraq War and the federal response to Hurricane Katrina. These crises helped Obama present himself as a fresh start for the country.

Obama’s Policies and Opposition

Obama passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a $787 billion stimulus to revive the economy through tax cuts and public investment. He also passed the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, which expanded health insurance through subsidies, mandates, and state exchanges. Republicans immediately opposed his agenda, embracing a strategy of obstructionism-voting “no” on nearly everything. This echoed tactics from the 1990s under Newt Gingrich. The Republican Party shifted further right, and many conservatives pushed back against Obama’s progressive policies.