Chapter 41: The American People Face a New Century (2001-2014)

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to the political, social, and economic events in the United States between 2001 and 2014.

Kyoto Treaty

An international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions that was rejected by President George W. Bush.

Al Qaeda

A terrorist organization based in Afghanistan and led by Osama bin Laden, responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Patriot Act

A law passed in October 2001 that expanded the government's ability to monitor citizens' communication and allowed for the deportation of immigrants suspected of terrorism.

Department of Homeland Security

An organization created by Congress in 2002 to protect the nation's borders.

Guantanamo Detection Camp

A facility created on the American military base in Cuba to hold captured Taliban fighters from Afghanistan.

Axis of evil

A term created by Bush in January 2002 referring to Iraq, North Korea, and Iran.

Sunnis

The religious minority in Iraq that held power under Saddam Hussein.

Shia

The religious majority in Iraq that took over power after Saddam Hussein was overthrown.

Abu Ghraib

A prison in Baghdad where it was discovered in April 2004 that Iraqi prisoners were being tortured.

No Child Left Behind Act of 2002

Legislation that mandated sanctions against schools that failed to meet federal performance standards.

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which was criticized for its poor response to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

The two biggest mortgage companies in the country which were taken over by the federal government during the 2008 recession.

TARP

The Troubled Assets Relief Program, passed by Congress to keep the nation's banks and businesses afloat during the 2008 economic crisis.

American Relief and Recovery Act

An economic stimulus bill supported by Obama comprised of tax cuts, spending for jobs programs, and funding for state and local governments.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

A 2010 healthcare reform bill that required all Americans to buy health insurance and prohibited insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

A 2010 law that overhauled the nation's financial regulatory system.

Tea Party

A right-wing, ultra-Republican party that emerged in 2009 and vehemently opposed most of Obama's policies.

Occupy Wall Street

A movement that began in 2011 consisting of small demonstrations by young people upset about income inequality.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

A 2010 Supreme Court ruling that corporations, unions, and advocacy groups could not be limited in political campaign spending.

DREAM Act

A 2010 bill blocked by Republicans that would have provided a path to citizenship for undocumented youths who graduated college or served in the U.S. armed forces.

Defense of Marriage Act

A 1996 act that denied federal benefits to same-sex couples, ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2013.

NSA

The National Security Agency, which was revealed through government leaks in 2013 to have been spying on Americans.