APUSH Unit 9: Challenges and Changes in Contemporary America (1990s–Present)

Bill Clinton

President of the United States from 1993 to 2001; known for centrist policies and the 'New Democrat' approach.

New Democrat

A centrist faction in the Democratic Party, moving away from traditional liberalism toward market-based policies.

triangulation

A political strategy that allows a leader to co-opt issues from opposing parties to gain broader appeal.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

An agreement ratified in 1993 that eliminated trade barriers between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Welfare Reform (1996)

Legislation signed by Clinton which ended federal aid guarantees and established TANF with time limits on benefits.

Budget Surplus

A financial state achieved by cutting spending and increasing taxes on the wealthy, resulting in excess revenue.

Contract with America

A manifesto introduced by Newt Gingrich promising tax cuts and budget balance as part of the Republican resurgence.

Impeachment

The formal charging of a government official with misconduct; Clinton was impeached in 1998 but not convicted.

Bush v. Gore

A Supreme Court case that decided the outcome of the 2000 presidential election by halting a Florida recount.

The Bush Doctrine

A foreign policy principle asserting the U.S. right to preemptively strike against perceived threats.

The War in Afghanistan

The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 to dismantle the Taliban and capture Osama bin Laden.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs)

Nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons that were the justification for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

USA PATRIOT Act

Legislation enacted in 2001 that expanded the government's surveillance abilities to prevent terrorism.

Department of Homeland Security

Established in 2002 to coordinate the U.S. national security efforts.

Guantanamo Bay

A U.S. military detention center that became a symbol of debate over civil liberties and national security.

The Great Recession

An economic downturn from 2007 to 2009, triggered by the housing bubble collapse.

The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

A significant healthcare reform law passed in 2010 that aimed to expand health insurance coverage.

Globalization

The process of increased interconnectedness and integration of economies, cultures, and politics across the world.

Income Inequality

The growing disparity in wealth between the top 1% and the rest of the population, leading to social movements.

Occupy Wall Street

A social movement that arose in response to economic inequality and corporate influence in politics.

Immigration Reform

Efforts aimed at addressing the complex issues surrounding immigration policy in the U.S.

Climate Change

Global environmental changes due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, influencing U.S. politics significantly.

Politicization of Science

The phenomenon where scientific evidence becomes entangled with political motives and agendas.

Electoral College

A body of representatives that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Subprime Mortgages

High-risk loans given to borrowers with low creditworthiness, contributing to the housing crisis.

Dot-com Boom

The rapid rise of internet-based companies and technology during the late 1990s, followed by a crash.