The Nixon, Ford, & Carter Administration+The Conservative Revolution+Entering a New era (1992-present) - Final Exam - 7/7

Roe v. Wade

A 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide, citing a woman’s right to privacy under the 14th Amendment.

What is the historical significance of the War Powers Act of 1973

It limited the president’s ability to deploy U.S. troops without congressional approval, a response to Vietnam War concerns.

Detente

A policy of easing Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, especially under Nixon and Kissinger.

Providing examples, describe how Nixon’s foreign policy differed from previous Cold War presidents

Nixon used realpolitik and prioritized practical over ideological goals. He opened relations with China and signed arms control agreements with the USSR.

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT)

Negotiations between the U.S. and USSR to limit nuclear weapons; resulted in SALT I treaty in 1972.

Title IX

A 1972 law prohibiting gender discrimination in federally funded education programs, especially in sports.

Describe the cultural, political, and historical significance of the Watergate Scandal

It led to Nixon’s resignation, increased public distrust of government, and resulted in reforms to limit executive power.

Explain why Gerald Ford is considered an “Accidental President”

He became president after Nixon resigned and had not been elected as vice president or president.

What economic problems were plaguing the country in the 1970s

Stagflation (high inflation + unemployment), oil crises, and slow economic growth.

Explain how Carter’s foreign policy differed from Nixon and Ford’s

Carter emphasized human rights over Cold War politics, criticizing allies with poor rights records and promoting peace initiatives.

Love Canal & Three-Mile Island

Love Canal: toxic waste site causing health issues in NY.

Three Mile Island: 1979 nuclear accident in Pennsylvania raising safety concerns.

What was the significance of the Camp David Accords?

Peace agreement brokered by Carter between Egypt and Israel; Egypt recognized Israel, and Israel withdrew from Sinai.

Iran Hostage Crisis

In 1979, Iranian militants held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days; it hurt Carter’s presidency and reflected rising tensions in the Middle East.

Identify reasons for a growing distrust of government and lack of identity in the 1970s

Watergate, Vietnam, economic struggles, and cultural changes led to cynicism and confusion about national direction.

Describe changes in American society since the 1970s in regards to immigration, family, and faith

Increased immigration and diversity, evolving family structures (e.g., more single-parent households), and the rise of both secularism and evangelical movements.

Explain the major differences between liberalism and conservatism

Liberalism: Believes in government intervention to promote equality and social welfare.

Conservatism: Emphasizes limited government, free markets, and traditional values.

What is the political significance of the 1980 elections?

Ronald Reagan’s victory marked a conservative shift in U.S. politics, with increased emphasis on tax cuts, deregulation, and strong defense.

Why was Raegan referred to as the Great Communicator? Identify other Presidents that possess(ed) a similar skill set

Reagan had a strong ability to connect with Americans through simple, persuasive language.

Similar presidents: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Fireside Chats), Barack Obama (public speaking).

The Moral Majority

A political organization of evangelical Christians founded by Jerry Falwell that promoted socially conservative values during the 1980s.

Describe policies of the Reagan administration demonstrating a politically conservative ideology

Tax cuts (Reaganomics), deregulation of industries, increased military spending, opposition to labor unions (e.g., PATCO strike).

What were the differences between Keynesian and supply-side economics?

Keynesian: Advocates government spending to boost demand during downturns.

Supply-side: Focuses on tax cuts and incentives for producers to encourage economic growth.

Citing specific examples, describe the objectives of Reagan’s foreign policy

Contain communism (e.g., support for Contras in Nicaragua)

Increase military strength

Challenge Soviet influence globally (e.g., Evil Empire speech, SDI proposal)

Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

A proposed missile defense system ("Star Wars") to protect the U.S. from nuclear attacks using space-based lasers—never fully realized.

Describe how Reagan’s relationship with the U.S.S.R changed over the course of presidency

Early: Harsh rhetoric and arms buildup.

Later: Improved relations with Gorbachev, leading to arms reduction talks and the INF Treaty.

Explain the criticisms that political opponents have of the Reagan administration

Increased national debt, widened income gap, cuts to social programs, and scandals like Iran-Contra.

Iran-Contra

A scandal in which Reagan officials secretly sold arms to Iran and used the money to fund anti-communist rebels (Contras) in Nicaragua, violating U.S. law.

What factors contributed to the end of the Cold War?

• Soviet economic decline

• U.S. military buildup under Reagan

• Gorbachev’s reforms (glasnost & perestroika)

• Improved diplomacy and arms agreements

Compare and contrast the Persian Gulf War with other American millitary actions since WWII

Quick, multinational operation (1991) to remove Iraq from Kuwait; limited U.S. casualties and clear objectives—unlike Vietnam.

START

U.S.-USSR agreement to reduce long-range nuclear weapons, signed in 1991 as part of post-Cold War disarmament efforts.

Americans with Disabilities Act

A 1990 civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment, transportation, and public accommodations.

What changes/challenges did the end of the Cold War have on U.S. foreign policy and economy?

The U.S. shifted focus from containment of communism to regional conflicts, terrorism, and global trade. Economically, defense spending declined, and globalization increased.

Compare and contrast the candidates, Issues, and results of the 1992 & 1912 elections

• 1912: Taft (R), Roosevelt (Progressive), Wilson (D); Wilson won due to split Republican vote.

• 1992: Bush (R), Clinton (D), Perot (Independent); Clinton won amid recession and dissatisfaction with Bush.

Identify the biggest achievements and shortcomings of the Clinton administration

Achievements: Economic growth, welfare reform, balanced budget.

Shortcomings: Lewinsky scandal, failed healthcare reform, impeachment.

NAFTA

A 1994 agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico eliminating most trade barriers.

FMLA

A 1993 law granting eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for family or medical reasons.

Explain the political significance of the Republican Party’s Contract with America and the 1994 midtermid-term elections. How does it compare with the 2010 midterm elections and the Tea Party?

Republicans, led by Newt Gingrich, gained control of Congress by promoting a conservative agenda. Similar to the 2010 Tea Party movement’s push for limited government.

Identify examples of terrorism that took place in the 1990s

1993 World Trade Center bombing, Oklahoma City bombing (1995), U.S. embassy bombings in Africa (1998), USS Cole attack (2000).

Describe how scandal impacted Clinton’s second term. What was the result of his impeachment?

The Lewinsky scandal led to Clinton’s impeachment by the House for perjury and obstruction. He was acquitted by the Senate and remained in office.

List the candidates, major issues, and controversies of the 2000 election

Bush (R) vs. Gore (D); key issues included education and Social Security. Controversy centered on Florida’s vote count. Bush won after Supreme Court decision.

How did the September 11, 2001 attacks ignite a sense of patriotism and unify America? Identify another example when this happened

Americans rallied around national pride and security measures. Similar unity occurred after Pearl Harbor (1941).

Department of Homeland Security

Created in 2002 to coordinate national efforts against terrorism and protect domestic security.

Citing examples, what controversies have been raised since the beginning of the War on Terror?

• Torture and detainment at Guantanamo Bay

• Warrantless surveillance

• Justification for Iraq invasion

• Civil liberties concerns with the PATRIOT Act

Unilateralism

A foreign policy approach where a nation acts independently, without seeking international consensus or cooperation.

Axis of Evil

Term used by President Bush in 2002 for Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, accusing them of sponsoring terrorism and seeking WMDs.

PATRIOT Act

Passed after 9/11, expanded surveillance and law enforcement powers to combat terrorism.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons capable of large-scale destruction. Their suspected presence justified the Iraq invasion.

Identify contributing causes of the 2008 financial crisis, and steps taken by President Bush & Obama to address it

Causes: Housing bubble, risky bank lending, deregulation.

Response: TARP bailout (Bush), stimulus package and auto industry rescue (Obama).

What was the goal of President Obama’s healthcare reform bill?

The Affordable Care Act (2010) aimed to expand healthcare access, reduce costs, and prevent insurance discrimination.

Explain the pros and cons of free trade and economic globalization

Pros: Cheaper goods, global markets, economic growth

Cons: Job loss in manufacturing, wage stagnation, dependence on global supply chains

Describe recent demographic changes in U.S. and the opportunities/challenges they create

Increased immigration, aging population, and growing diversity. Opportunities include cultural richness and workforce renewal; challenges include political division and resource allocation.