Key terms chapter 40

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs): Weapons capable of causing large-scale destruction and loss of life, including nuclear, chemical, and biological arms.

9/11: Coordinated terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, targeting the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

Al Qaeda: Islamist extremist group responsible for the 9/11 attacks, founded by Osama bin Laden.

Patriot Act: 2001 legislation expanding U.S. government surveillance and anti-terrorism powers.

Department of Homeland Security: Federal agency established post-9/11 to protect the U.S. from terrorism and emergencies.

Guantanamo Detention Camp: U.S. military prison in Cuba for suspected terrorists, criticized for human rights abuses.

Abu Ghraib Prison: Iraqi prison infamous for abuse and torture of detainees by U.S. military personnel.

No Child Left Behind: 2001 education law emphasizing standardized testing and accountability in schools.

Hurricane Katrina: Devastating 2005 hurricane exposing weaknesses in U.S. disaster response systems.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: 2009 economic stimulus package to combat the Great Recession.

Affordable Care Act (ACA): 2010 healthcare reform expanding insurance coverage and reducing costs.

Dodd-Frank Act: 2010 financial reform law addressing the causes of the 2008 financial crisis.

Tea Party: Conservative political movement advocating limited government and lower taxes.

Occupy Wall Street: 2011 protest movement against economic inequality and corporate influence.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals): Policy protecting undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

Iran Nuclear Deal: 2015 agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: 2017 law reducing corporate and individual tax rates.

John McCain: U.S. senator and 2008 Republican presidential candidate known for his maverick reputation.

Sarah Palin: Former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice-presidential candidate.

George W. Bush: 43rd U.S. president, known for the Iraq War and response to 9/11.

Richard Cheney: Vice president under George W. Bush, influential in post-9/11 foreign policy.

Nancy Pelosi: Long-serving Democratic leader and first woman to serve as Speaker of the House.

Barack Obama: 44th U.S. president and first African American to hold the office.

Joe Biden: 46th U.S. president and former vice president under Barack Obama.

Edward Snowden: Whistleblower who revealed global surveillance programs by the NSA.

Donald Trump: 45th U.S. president, known for his populist and controversial policies.

Mike Pence: Vice president under Donald Trump and former governor of Indiana.