All Flashcards
Who was Al Gore?
Bill Clinton’s vice president, nominated by the Democrats in the 2000 election.
Who is George W. Bush?
The governor of Texas and son of President George H. W. Bush, nominated by the Republicans in the 2000 election and president during 9/11.
Who was Osama bin Laden?
The leader of al-Qaeda, responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
Who was Saddam Hussein?
The leader of Iraq who was accused of amassing weapons of mass destruction, leading to the US invasion of Iraq.
Who is Sonia Sotomayor?
Appointed to the Supreme Court by Obama.
Who is Elena Kagan?
Appointed to the Supreme Court by Obama.
Who is Merrick Garland?
Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, blocked by Senate Republicans.
Who is Donald Trump?
A political outsider, who was a well-known real estate developer and reality TV show star, aggressively attacked immigration, Washington politicians and international trade deals while promoting a nationalist movement “Make America Great Again.” He defeated Hillary Clinton in the presidential election of 2016.
What were the causes and effects of the 9/11 attacks?
Causes: al-Qaeda's resentment of US presence in Saudi Arabia, support for Israel, and cultural influence. Effects: The War on Terror, the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and the PATRIOT Act.
What were the causes and effects of the US invasion of Afghanistan?
Causes: The 9/11 attacks and the Taliban's harboring of al-Qaeda. Effects: The toppling of the Taliban regime, a prolonged war, and the eventual killing of Osama bin Laden.
What were the causes and effects of the Great Recession?
Causes: Subprime mortgage lending, runaway real estate speculation, and complex investments. Effects: Financial institution failures, credit crisis, soaring gas prices, stock market declines, and rising unemployment.
What were the causes and effects of the rise of ISIS?
Causes: Instability in Syria and Iraq, the Syrian civil war, and the presence of former Iraqi military members. Effects: A terrorist movement that vowed to create a worldwide caliphate.
What were the causes and effects of the death of Antonin Scalia in 2016?
Causes: The unexpected death of Antonin Scalia in 2016. Effects: Senate Republicans refused to hold a hearing for Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, because Obama was in his last year in office and the Republicans wanted to hold out until hopefully, a Republican would be elected and could appoint the position.
Define "punch card machines" in the context of the 2000 election.
Antiquated voting systems used in Florida that resulted in some ballots not being clearly marked for any candidate, leading to disputes during the recount.
What is the "War on Terror?"
A global campaign led by the United States in response to the 9/11 attacks, aimed at combating terrorism.
Define "Bush Doctrine".
The policy that the US had the right to attack enemies before they attacked the US; pre-emptive strikes.
What are "weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)"?
Nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons that can cause widespread devastation and loss of life.
What is a "stimulus package?"
A set of economic policies implemented by the government to stimulate economic activity during a recession.
Define "TARP".
Troubled Assets Relief Program, a $700 billion program to purchase failing assets from financial institutions during the 2008 financial crisis.
What is "gender identity?"
An individual's internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither, regardless of their assigned sex at birth.
Define "civil unions".
A legally recognized union of a same-sex couple, with rights and responsibilities similar to those of a marriage.
What is the "individual mandate" under Obamacare?
A requirement that all individuals purchase health insurance or pay a penalty.
What is "fracking"?
Pumping high-pressured water into the ground to release natural gas and oil.
What is the "filibuster"?
A parliamentary procedure used in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill.
What is the "Equality Act"?
It would amend the Civil Rights Act to "prohibit discrimination on the basis of the sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition of an individual, as well as because of sex-based stereotypes.