Cause: Supply-side economics. Effect: Increased national debt, benefited upper-income groups, and economic recovery in the mid-1980s.

Cause: Labor dispute between air traffic controllers and the government. Effect: Reagan's firing of strikers, decertification of the union, and a demonstration of government authority.

Cause: Spread of HIV virus. Effect: Public health crisis, discrimination against gay men, and increased spending on treatment and prevention.

Cause: Lax regulation and fraudulent loan policies. Effect: Government cleanup costing $700 billion.

Cause: Soaring budget deficit and pressure from Congress. Effect: Anger from voters and a slow recession.

Cause: Two teens went on a shooting spree. Effect: Prompted a national debate on gun control and school safety.

Cause: Affair between President Clinton and a White House intern. Effect: Impeachment proceedings, but acquittal by the Senate.

Cause: Extremist anti-government sentiment. Effect: Increased scrutiny of militia movements and a somber national mood.

High inflation combined with high unemployment and slow economic growth.

Economic theory that tax cuts and reduced government spending will increase private sector investment, production, jobs, and prosperity.

Economic theory that government spending during downturns can boost consumer income and demand.

The idea that cutting taxes on the rich will produce new investment and new businesses, which will then create new jobs or raises for middle- and working-class people.

The amount by which the cost of a country's imports exceeds the value of its exports.

An anti-drug initiative encouraging children to reject experimenting with or using drugs by simply saying 'no'.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a disease that weakens the immune system.

Having a judicial nomination turned down, often due to extreme or controversial views.

A Democrat who pursues some conservative policies.

Laws that provide enhanced penalties for crimes motivated by bias or prejudice.

A legal strategy that claims a defendant's actions were caused by sudden, uncontrollable impulse due to the victim's homosexuality.

Terrorism perpetrated within a country by its own citizens against their own government or population.

Enabled citizens to register to vote as they received their driver’s licenses.

President of the United States from 1981-1989, known for conservative policies and supply-side economics.

President of the United States from 1977-1981, faced stagflation and the Iran Hostage Crisis.

First Lady who launched the 'Just Say No' campaign against drug use.

The first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, nominated by Ronald Reagan.

A conservative nominee to the Supreme Court whose nomination was rejected by the Senate.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court who scaled back affirmative action and limited Roe v. Wade.

President of the United States from 1989-1993, who signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.

President of the United States from 1993-2001, a 'New Democrat' who pursued some conservative policies.

House Speaker who led the Republican 'Contract with America' in the 1990s.

The special prosecutor who investigated Bill Clinton, leading to impeachment proceedings.

A White House intern whose affair with Bill Clinton led to impeachment proceedings.

A 21-year-old gay college student whose fatal beating spurred calls for hate-crime legislation.