Untitled Flashcards Set

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Chemicals, biological agents, or nuclear weapons that can cause significant harm to a large number of people.

9/11

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, where four planes were hijacked and used to attack significant U.S. targets, including the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

USA Patriot Act

Legislation passed in response to the 9/11 attacks, expanding government surveillance and law enforcement powers.

Department of Homeland Security

U.S. federal agency created in response to 9/11 with the purpose of protecting citizens and managing national security.

Guantánamo Detention Camp

U.S. military prison located at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, used to detain suspected terrorists.

Abu Ghraib prison

Iraqi prison where U.S. military personnel were found to have committed human rights abuses against detainees.

No Child Left Behind Act

Education reform legislation signed by George W. Bush aimed at improving educational outcomes and accountability.

Hurricane Katrina

A devastating hurricane in 2005 that caused widespread damage and highlighted failures in disaster response.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

A stimulus package enacted by President Obama in 2009 to promote economic recovery after the Great Recession.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in 2010 aimed at increasing access to healthcare and reducing costs.

Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank)

Legislation passed in response to the financial crisis to regulate financial markets and protect consumers.

Tea Party

A conservative political movement that emerged in response to government spending and overreach, advocating for reduced government size.

Occupy Wall Street

A progressive movement that began in 2011 focused on addressing economic inequality and corporate influence in politics.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

An immigration policy allowing undocumented minors to receive renewable two-year work permits and be exempt from deportation.

USA Freedom Act of 2015

Legislation that aimed to limit surveillance practices of the NSA established by the USA Patriot Act.

Confirmation bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one’s preconceptions.

Iran nuclear deal

A 2015 agreement between Iran and several world powers aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

Legislation that significantly cut corporate taxes and altered individual tax rates, contributing to an increase in the national debt.

Barack Obama

The 44th president of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017, notable for being the first African American president.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Impact

Expanded healthcare coverage to millions of uninsured Americans and required insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions.

Great Recession

A severe global economic downturn that began in 2007, leading to significant unemployment and prompting government intervention.

Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting

A tragic mass shooting in 2012 that reignited the gun control debate in the U.S.

Arab Spring

A series of anti-government protests in the Arab world that began in 2010, influencing U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Climate Change Action

Policies and initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy during Obama's presidency.

Cuba-U.S. Relations Normalization

The process of normalizing diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba, including the reopening of embassies in 2015.

U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan

The decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan by 2014, aimed at ending the longest U.S. war.

LGBTQ Rights Progress

Significant advancements in LGBTQ rights, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015.

DREAM Act Advocacy

Efforts to provide a pathway to legal status for undocumented minors, pushing for immigration reform during Obama's presidency.

George W. Bush

The 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009, known for his response to the 9/11 attacks and the Iraq War.

Donald Trump

The 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021, characterized by controversial policies and a focus on nationalism.

Joe Biden

The 46th president of the United States, inaugurated in 2021, known for his focus on unity and tackling COVID-19.

Hillary Clinton

Former Secretary of State and the first woman to be nominated for president by a major U.S. political party in 2016.

Bernie Sanders

U.S. Senator known for his progressive policies and advocacy for democratic socialism.

Mitch McConnell

U.S. Senator from Kentucky and Senate Majority Leader known for his influential role in Republican strategy.

Nancy Pelosi

U.S. Speaker of the House known for her leading role in the Democratic Party and significant legislation during her tenure.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

U.S. Supreme Court Justice known for her work on gender equality and women's rights.

Elon Musk

CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, known for innovation in electric vehicles and space exploration.

Malala Yousafzai

Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.

Dick Cheney

The 46th vice president of the United States who served from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush, known for his influence on foreign policy and national security issues.