Review of 21st Century US History

Flashcards reviewing key events and concepts from early 21st century US history.

How was the Election of 2000 ultimately decided?

By the Supreme Court, with a controversial vote where justices were perceived to be voting along partisan lines.

What were the primary reasons for the US invasion of Afghanistan?

To combat the Taliban regime and dismantle al-Qaeda, which was a global terrorism hotspot.

What was the stated reason for the US invasion of Iraq in the early 2000s?

To eliminate weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), specifically chemical and nuclear weapons, though these were never found.

What were the effects of the No Child Left Behind Act?

It used standardized testing to ensure schools performed adequately before receiving federal funding, with states potentially pausing funding or taking over schools with consistently low scores.

What does Medicare Part D provide?

Government assistance to elderly individuals to help them pay for prescription drugs.

What disparities were evident in the experiences of Black and White Americans during and after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans?

Black Americans experienced worse outcomes across various metrics, including death rates, flooding impact, disease rates, and the speed of rebuilding their communities.

What was the main cause of the 2008 financial crisis?

Subprime mortgages, which were high-interest loans given to individuals with poor credit. The crisis escalated when too many of these loans defaulted which triggered government bailouts of banks through programs like TARP.

What was ARRA?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which was a New Deal-style stimulus package under Obama focused on investments in education and infrastructure.

Which demographic groups primarily supported Barack Obama in the 2008 election?

Young, college-educated liberals and Black voters.

What were the key components of Obamacare (The Affordable Care Act)?

Expansion of Medicaid, the implementation of the individual mandate where everyone was required to have health insurance.

How did Donald Trump alter the individual mandate of Obamacare?

He reduced the penalty for not having health insurance to zero dollars.

What were the primary grievances of the Tea Party movement?

Opposition to Obamacare, a belief that the government was overspending, and a general resentment towards government intervention and regulation in their lives (focus on freedom and liberty).

What was the significance of the 2010 midterm elections in relation to the Tea Party movement?

The Tea Party's momentum enabled them to win control of the House of Representatives.

Which political figure effectively captured and reshaped the energy of the Tea Party movement?

Donald J. Trump.

What were the goals of the Occupy Wall Street movement?

To address wealth inequality and advocate for policies where government funds should be directed towards social programs like healthcare.

What event marked a significant turning point in the US involvement in Afghanistan?

The killing of Osama bin Laden by US forces, followed by the US withdrawal, which led to the Taliban regaining control.

What event caused the US to redeploy troops to Iraq after initially withdrawing?

The rise of ISIS.

What issues did the Black Lives Matter, BLM, movement primarily address?

The main concerns were ending police brutality against Black individuals and advocating for broader criminal justice reform.