Clinton, Bush, and Obama: Key Events and Developments

These flashcards cover key events and concepts related to the presidencies of Clinton, Bush, and Obama, as well as broader American political and social developments.

Role of 3rd Parties in Elections

Take votes away from major party candidates.

Domestic Terrorism/Violence in 1990s

Increased in number, with events like the Oklahoma City Bombing and Columbine Shooting.

Globalization

Trend of businesses, technologies, or beliefs spreading throughout the world.

Race Relations in 1990s

Increased racial tension, exemplified by the LA Riots after the Rodney King trial.

Contract with America

Republican campaign advocating for conservative principles like tax cuts and welfare reform.

Clinton’s Impeachment Charges

Charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.

Reason Clinton was Acquitted

His actions were deemed morally wrong but not 'high crimes or misdemeanors'.

Clinton and China

Improved trade relations and gained 'Favored Nation' status.

U.N. in Somalia and Rwanda

Failed to resolve the civil war and famine in Somalia.

GATT

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; aimed at reducing tariffs to expand world trade.

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement removing trade barriers between US, Mexico, and Canada.

Affirmative Action

Programs promoting hiring of minorities, criticized as 'reverse discrimination'.

Significance of Election of 2000

Gore won popular vote but Bush won Electoral College, illustrating possible popular vote loss.

Bush v. Gore Decision

Declared Florida recounts unconstitutional due to lack of consistent standards.

September 11, 2001

Terrorist attacks on World Trade Center and Pentagon.

Government Responses to 9/11

Patriot Act, TSA creation, and the Department of Homeland Security establishment.

U.S.A P.A.T.R.I.O.T Act

Expanded government's power to find suspected terrorists, enabling wiretaps without warrants.

Al Qaeda

Group responsible for the 9/11 attacks.

Reason for US Invasion of Afghanistan

To overthrow the Taliban and search for Osama bin Laden.

Reason for Operation Iraqi Freedom

Saddam Hussein allegedly possessed Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Hurricane Katrina

National disaster blamed on the federal government's slow response.

Causes of 2008 Economic Crisis

Included banks loaning to unqualified borrowers and subsequent increase in home foreclosures.

Internet

Increased global communication and interconnectivity; spurred technology revolution.

Effect of Space Technology

Led to many technological inventions, enhancing Americans' quality of life.

Computers in the 1990s

Greatly increased productivity in the workplace.

Significance of 2008 Election

First African American elected as US President.

Hillary Clinton in 2008

Initially the Democrat front runner and later became Obama's Secretary of State.

Affordable Care Act

Mandated that all Americans must have health insurance.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Aimed to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

Sonia Sotomayor

First Hispanic to serve on the Supreme Court.