America in the 21st Century Study Guide

What protects the individual rights enumerated in the Constitution of the US?

Supreme Court

Who was the first woman appointed to the US Supreme Court?

Sandra Day O’Connor

How has the membership of the US Supreme Court changed over time?

More women and minorities have served - Sandra Day O’Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Clarence Thomas, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan

What is the significance of Roe v. Wade?

Established the right to privacy

What is the significance of Loving v. Virginia?

Protected equal rights and allowed interracial marriage in states, stating that marriage was a fundamental right

What is the significance of Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona?

Invalidated proof of US Citizenship during the voter registration application process

What is the significance of Gideon v. Wainwright?

Requires states to provide counsel for needy defendants charged with serious offenses

What is the significance of Snyder v. Phelps?

Upholds that protests of public concern are entitled to great protection under the free speech clause of the First Amendment

How has the US responded to terrorism?

Patriot Act, TSA, diplomatic and military initiatives

What was the Patriot Act?

Expanded government’s power of investigation and surveillance

What is the TSA?

Designed to prevent future attacks - Created after 9/11 - federalized the nation’s 28,000 airport security personnel

How does the government promote a healthy economy characterized by full employment and low inflation? How do they do this?

Federal Reserve - Monetary policy decisions influence the money supply and promote sustainable economic growth

President and Congress - Fiscal policy decisions determine levels of government taxation and spending in an effort to impact economic growth

Which president signed the Patriot Act and No Child Left Behind Act into law?

George W. Bush

Who attempted to address the Great Recession by passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009?

Barack Obama

What industries have benefited from new technologies?

Computer industry and satellite systems: Global Positioning System (GPS)

Telecommunications: Smartphones, Internet-based businesses