APUSH AMSCO Unit 9.2

explain the causes and effects of continuing debates about the role of the federal government

Ronald Reagan

likeable and sensible champion of average Americans; attacked the expanded government of the Democrats; asked “are you better off now than you were four years ago?”; survived a serious gunshot wound 2 months after his election

supply-side economics/Reaganomics

tax cuts and reduced spending to increase investment by the private sector which increased production, jobs, and prosperity; like trickle-down economics

“trickle down” economics

wealthy Americans prospered and some of their increased spending benefitted the poor

Economic Recovery Tax Act

included a 25% decrease in income tax over 3 years; tax relief to upper-income tax payers

deregulation

reduced federal regulations on business and industry

PATCO

Reagan fired thousands of striking air traffic controllers for violating their contract and he decertified their union (PATCO)

Sandra Day O’Connor

Reagan nominated the first woman to the Supreme Court

William Rehnquist

new chief justice; appointed by Reagan

George H. W. Bush

Reagan’s vice president

“no new taxes”

Bush’s campaign promise

Clarence Thomas

conservative justice who opposed combating racism and had sexual assault charges

Americans with Disabilities Act

prohibited discrimination against citizens with physical and mental disabilities in hiring, transportation, and public acommadation

political polarization

Republicans became extremely conservative (moderate Republicans lost office)

Brady Bill

mandated background checks and a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases

National Rifle Association (NRA)

mobilized supporters to over turn the Brady Bill and to defeat politicians who supported it

District of Columbia v. Heller

said that the 2nd amendment provides an individual the right to possess a firearm outside of a militia

Black Lives Matter

police beatings/killings of unarmed black men and boys sparked the movement

LGBT rights/“don’t ask, don’t tell”

Carter settled for this phrase in the military

Obergefell v. Hodge

said that the 14th amendment protects the rights of same-sex couples to marry