1. America at Home and Abroad Late 20 th Century Until Today

2. The March Toward Equality Continues  The great Civil Rights Movement for African-Americans achieved many of its goals in the 1960s: desegregation, civil rights legislation, and voting rights legislation.  From the late 1960s on, other groups who had faced discrimination adopted many of the same effective strategies to call for reform. Who were these special interest groups?

3. Hispanic or Chicano Movement  César Chávez and Dolores Huerta formed the U.F.W. (United Farm Workers Association). They used nonviolent methods to win better treatment for Hispanic migrant farm workers.  They conducted nation-wide boycotts of grape and lettuce growers.  Another Hispanic group, La Raza Unida, sought to increase voter participation and elect more Hispanics to political office.  Another earlier activist, Hector P. Garcia, had worked with L.U.L.A.C. (the League of United Latin American Citizens) and helped found the American G.I. Forum to assist Hispanic veterans after World War II.

4. Native Americans  In 1968, the American Indian Movement (A.I.M.) was founded. The issues they addressed included poverty, housing, treaty issues, and police harassment.  In the 1970s, they launched several protests that gained media attention for their causes, including occupying Mount Rushmore (1971), seizing the Washington office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (1972), and a 1978 march from Alcatraz to Washington D.C.

5. Feminism in the 1970s  In the wake of the Civil Rights Movement, a women’s movement re-emerged.  Betty Friedan’s book, The Feminine Mystique, challenged the expectation that women should be just housewives and raised issues of civil rights and equality in society.  She was one of the founders of the National Organization for Women (N.O.W.)  Another prominent voice in the women’s movement was Gloria Steinem. She established “Ms. Magazine.” The goals of the 1970s feminists included: 1) banning gender discrimination in hiring 2) ending discrimination in college admissions 3) passing the Equal Rights Amendment

6. The Equal Rights Amendment  In 1972, the Equal Rights Amendment was passed by Congress:  Section 1. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.  Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.  Section 3. This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification  In order to be added to the constitution it would have to be ratified by 38 of the 50 states by 1982.  By 1977, 35 states had ratified it.  During this time however, opponents, such as Phyllis Schlafly, launched a Stop-ERA movement which was successful in blocking its ratification before the 1982 deadline. Examine the provisions of this amendment and identify those portions that would be controversial.

7. A question from the 2013 EOC... The author of this letter was — a.a leader of the Civil Rights movement b.the cofounder of the National Organization for Women c.a leader of a conservative interest group d.the cofounder of Ms. Magazine

8. Other Groups Seek Equality 4. Handicapped Americans:  In 1974, the “Rehabilitation Act” guaranteed equal rights.  The “Americans with Disabilities Act” will be passed in 1990 giving the handicapped better access to public facilities. 5. Senior citizens:  “Gray Panthers” organization was founded in 1970 to work to end age discrimination; such as a mandatory retirement age in many companies.  The AARP is the most well-known of the senior advocacy organizations. 6. The first “Gay Pride” parade and rally was held in New York City in 1970, which marks the beginning of organized political efforts by the LBGT community Of the six minority interest groups just discussed, which group do you think has been most successful in achieving their goals? Which group has had the least success?

9. And then there was the counterculture... Based on evidence from the photo, what values did this movement represent? Why were they called the counterculture? Hint: “anti-establishment” was also used to describe them

10. Migration Within the U.S  Rust Belt-  Unemployment rose sharply in mid-western states due to plant closures during 1970s recession.  Led to large numbers of people moving out of states such as Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, often settling in Sunbelt states.  Sunbelt-  Due to the development of air conditioning, states known for warmer winters have grown steadily in population, especially senior citizens.  These include: California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida  Natural disasters (such as the 1930s Dust Bowl) sometimes lead to temporary migrations which often turn out to be permanent.  An early 21 st -Century example of this phenomenon is the impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 on the area around New Orleans.  Where did these displaced people move?

11. U.S. Presidents from 1970 – Today  Thoughout the following discussion, watch for examples of political and economic policies associated with each president. Also, collect events to label on the foreign policy timeline.  Let’s start with Richard Nixon...

12. Nixon’s Foreign Policy  Despite the ongoing problems with the War in Vietnam, Nixon’s second term is remembered for foreign policy successes.  Beginning in 1971, Nixon pursued a policy of détente with the U.S.S.R. (détente means a “relaxation of tensions”)  He negotiated a S.A.L.T. agreement (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) which restricted the types and numbers of nuclear warheads and missiles that each country could have.

13. Détente with China  Since it’s formation in 1949, the U.S. had never formally recognized the People’s Republic of China.  In February of 1972, Nixon normalizes relations with China by visiting there and conducting talks with Chairman Mao.  This led to scientific and cultural exchanges and to the setting up of embassies in both countries. What’s going on here and why is it important?

14. Nixon’s Domestic Initiatives  Nixon proposed and established the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970. (The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 also.)  Congress also passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973.  Nixon is credited with launching the “War on Drugs” and a “Get Tough on Crime” policy.

15. Nixon’s 2 nd Term  Due in part to his foreign policy and environmental successes and to the support from those he termed the “Silent Majority,” Nixon was re-elected in 1972.  In 1973, the Congress passed the “War Powers Act” which declared that a president could not send U.S. military into action more than 60 days unless authorized by Congress.  In Vietnam, a cease-fire was signed and the U.S. withdrew our troops in 1973.  But the fighting continued, and South Vietnam would eventually fall to the Communists.

16. The OPEC Oil Embargo  O.P.E.C (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries)  In response to U.S. support for Israel in the “October War” of 1973, O.P.E.C placed an oil embargo on shipments to the U.S.  This contributed to:  Higher gas prices which led to overall inflation  Incredibly long gas lines  55 mph national speed limit enacted  More energy conservation measures  Increased popularity of compact cars

17. Watergate  During the 1972 election, an incident had occurred that would not fully come to light until later.  Men working for the Committee to Re-Elect the President broke into the Democratic National Headquarters at the Watergate apartment complex in Washington, D.C.  Reporters traced clues that indicated that some of Nixon’s closest aides had been involved in planning the burglary.  Further information suggested a White House cover-up, so a Senate committee was set up and hearings were held.

18. The Watergate Scandal  It was disclosed that Nixon taped all conversations in the oval office. The Special Prosecutor, Archibald Cox, subpoenaed these tapes from the dates in question.  Nixon appealed this order, citing concerns for national security and “executive privilege” and refused to give up the tapes.  When his appeal was denied, Nixon fired Prosecutor Cox and others. This came to be called “The Saturday Night Massacre.”

19. Road to Nixon’s Resignation  Members of the House of Representatives began calling for Nixon’s impeachment.*  Nixon finally gives up tapes, but some are missing and one has an 18½ minute erasure on it.  Written transcripts also provided by Nixon (in lieu of tapes) confirm Nixon had knowledge of the break-in and the cover-up.  With impeachment almost certain, Nixon becomes the first and only President to resign the office (1974). *Impeachment means to bring charges against a public official. It does not mean to remove the official from office.

20. Interpret the Cartoon 1. Describe the scene. What will happen next? 2. What symbolism do you see? How is Nixon characterized? 3. Is the cartoonist suggesting that Nixon IS a crook? Why?

21. The Lessons of Watergate http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/national/watergate-forty-years-after-the-scandal/2012/06/11/gJQABNYiVV_video.html Watch the following video and describe 3 different lessons that Watergate taught us about our government and society. Be prepared to discuss...

22. Gerald Ford Becomes President  Vice-President Gerald Ford would finish out Nixon’s second term in office. http://www.montereyinstitute.org/courses/US%20History%20II/course%20files/multimedia/lesson79/lessonp_nroc_nonap.html  The state of the economy during his term was called “stagflation” (high unemployment and high inflation)  He also had foreign policy problems, including the fall of Saigon to the communists in 1975.  In 1976, he lost a close presidential election to the democratic candidate, Jimmy Carter.

23. The Carter Presidency  Like President Ford, Jimmy Carter’s biggest problem at home was the economy. Due to rising oil prices, inflation soared. Prices throughout the economy went up 10% in the first year. Interest rates rose to 20% and unemployment remained high. What is the term for this combination of economic problems?  One note-worthy law that Carter suggested and signed was the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act, which required banks to make credit available in poor communities, to prevent further decline in low-income neighborhoods in inner cities. http://www.montereyinstitute.org/courses/US%20History%20II/course%20files/multimedia/lesson79/lessonp_nroc_nonap.html

24. Carter’s Camp David Accords  Israel and neighboring Arab nations had fought several wars since the State of Israel was founded in 1948.  Carter invited Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to Camp David, the U.S. Presidential retreat in Maryland. Carter’s personal diplomacy helps them agree to a peace treaty known as the 1978-79 Camp David Accords whereby: 1.Israel would withdraw from Egypt’s Sinai peninsula, which it had held since 1967. 2.Egypt became the first Arab nation to recognize Israel’s existence as a nation.  Sadat and Begin would share the Nobel Peace Prize for this historic agreement

25. Revolution in Iran  Despite the corruption and repression of his regime, the U.S. had supported the Shah of Iran for years, because he was a reliable source of oil and because he had modernized and westernized Iran.  In January 1979 an anti-western Muslim fundamentalist revolution occurred in Iran by the supporters of the religious leader, Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini.  The Shah fled Iran and Carter allowed him to enter the U.S. for medical treatment.

26. Iranian Hostage Crisis  In late 1979, the Iranian Hostage Crisis began when outraged fundamentalists captured the U.S. embassy and held 52 American hostages for 444 days.  Carter’s efforts to free the hostages included:  Diplomacy, then breaking off diplomatic relations  Freezing Iranian assets in the U.S.  A failed rescue mission that ended in disaster. The Ayatollah Khomeini was demanding the Shah’s return to Iran for trial, but did not release the hostages, even after the Shah died due to his illness.

27. Another item from the 2013 EOC...  In 1979 the Shah of Iran was forced into exile. The U.S. government later allowed the Shah to enter the United States for medical treatment. This perceived U.S. support for the Shah of Iran resulted in which of the following? a.Iran attacked a U.S. military base in Asia. b.Soviet forces began an occupation of Iran. c.Israel demanded U.S. support for the strategic bombing of cities in Iran. d.Revolutionaries kidnapped a group of U.S. citizens in Iran.

28. The Conservative Revolution of 1980 Despite Carter’s success in the Middle East peace process, the economy still struggled with inflation and 7% unemployment. Carter’s perceived weakness led to an approval rating of only 26% and even Carter spoke of a “crisis of confidence” in the nation. California Governor, Ronald Reagan won the Republican nomination in 1980, proposing a foreign policy based on “Peace through Strength.” Reagan won by a landslide; 489 to 49 electoral votes. Other Republicans are swept into office nationwide on Reagan’s “coattails.”

29. The New Conservatism  In the 1980 Presidential election, Reagan received support from leading conservative groups:  The National Rifle Association— This was the first time that the NRA made an official endorsement in a Presidential election.  The Moral Majority—Held rallies and made phone calls to appeal to fundamentalist Christians to vote for the more conservative Reagan. Headed by the Reverend Jerry Falwell.  The Heritage Foundation—This conservative “think-tank” seeks to promote conservative policies by lobbying congress and contributing funds to the campaigns of conservative candidates such as Reagan. Which two of these organizations continue to influence politics today?  Let’s examine the economic beliefs of the New Conservatives...

30. Reaganomics (or Supply-Side Theory) Suggests... ProductionDemand Employment Tax breaks to the wealthy will encourage investment and increase production... the benefits of which will... “trickle down” to the working class In the Production Cycle below, increased Employment would lead to increased Demand, which would lead to increases in Production, which would lead to increases in Employment, etc. Got it?

31. What is the cartoonist’s view of the effectiveness of “trickle-down” economics? What symbolism do you see? (How has the cartoonist drawn the fountain? How are fountains usually shaped?) Will this work? (Is the President depicted respectfully?) Analyze this cartoon.

32. Reagan Tax Cuts  1981 - a 5% tax cut went into effect  1982 - a 10% tax cut went into effect  1983 - an additional 10% tax cut went into effect  Fewer income brackets  Wealthy benefit the most as tax rate on the highest incomes drops from 70% to 28%

33. Spending Cuts under Reagan In an effort to slow the growth of the federal government, the Reagan administration:  Reduced unemployment compensation  Lowered welfare payments  Reduced spending on food stamps  Raised fees on Medicaid payments

34. Deregulation under Reagan  Reagan worked for deregulation of energy and banking.  He cut the number of, and funding for, regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, thus reducing their effectiveness.  Conservatives believe that excessive regulations stifle free market competition and mean higher costs and lower profits to produce, leading to fewer jobs and higher prices for consumers.  Progressives believe that some regulations are necessary to make businesses operate ethically, prevent unfair competition, and protect the rights of labor and consumers.

35. Reaganomics Report Card  First two years in office were called the “Reagan Recession”.  Unemployment dropped to 10.8% in 1982.  Interest rates soared.  Hundreds of businesses closed each week.  Economy began to recover in 1983, and remained through the 1980’s.  Rate of inflation slowed.  Republicans claimed the recovery supported this approach.  Contrary to their predictions, however, the Federal deficit grew rather than shrank.  Poverty and homelessness remained high.

36. Another item from the 2013 EOC...  The policy objectives of Reaganomics were based on the theory that — a.borrowing from foreign countries would help cover the costs of domestic programs b.significant increases in government spending would help reduce unemployment c.broad tax cuts and financial deregulation would promote economic expansion d.reducing trade barriers would result in a budget surplus

37. Reagan’s Foreign Policy- “Peace Through Strength”  Reagan believed our position in the world had been weakened in recent years and was determined to regain status and defend American interests in the Cold War.  Reagan spent huge sums to build up both conventional and nuclear weapons.  He championed the Strategic Defense Initiative (S.D.I.), popularly known as “Star Wars,” which would have created a satellite missile defense shield in space to intercept and destroy any incoming Soviet missiles. We continue to work on missile interceptor technology today.

38. Trouble Spots in the Middle East  In 1983, 241 U.S. marines stationed in Lebanon were killed by a suicide truck bomber.  In 1986, Reagan ordered a deadly airstrike on Libya, a nation that had sponsored terrorism against the U.S.

39. Iran-Contra Affair  1979-Marxist “Sandinistas” seized power in Nicaragua.  The CIA then secretly trained and armed anti-Sandinista guerillas known as “Contras” (“against”) to fight the government.  In 1984 Congress learned about this and banned it.  Reagan Administration officials then secretly sold arms to (anti-U.S.) Iran and used the money to continue to fund the Nicaraguan Contras.  Congress learned of the “Iran-Contra Affair” in 1986 through hearings which led to serious criticisms of the Reagan administration.  Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North takes the blame for the arrangements, while Reagan claimed no knowledge of it.

40. Improved Relations with U.S.S.R.  Mikhail Gorbachev became Soviet leader in 1985  He introduces two reforms popular with Americans and the democratic west: 1.”Glasnost”, or “political openness”, which allowed greater free speech and free press 2.“Perestroika,” or “restructuring”, which allowed some free enterprise  1987 INF Treaty reduced number of intermediate range nuclear missiles each country could have.  Famous Reagan quote: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Though the Berlin wall won’t be torn down until November of 1989, Reagan helps this come about.

41. George H.W. Bush Presidency  Reagan’s Vice-President wins the Republican nomination and the general election in 1988. http://www.montereyinstitute.org/courses/US%20History%20II/course%20files/multimedia/lesson80/l essonp.html?showTopic=1  It is in the area of foreign policy that Bush enjoyed his greatest successes.

42. The End of the Cold War  The Berlin Wall fell in November 1989.  The Cold War finally ends in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapses to be replaced by the Commonwealth of Independent States (C.I.S.) with President Boris Yeltsin in charge. The former Soviet Socialist Republics gain their independence one-by-one. “The Cold War is now behind us, let us not wrangle over who won it.” --M. Gorbachev Do you agree? Is it counter-productive to debate who won?

43. The Persian Gulf War, 1991  August 1990 Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invades neighboring Kuwait  Saddam claims Kuwait belonged historically to Iraq  President Bush saw it as a grab of Kuwait oil wealth, a threat to our ally Saudi Arabia’s security and the supply of oil to the west, and therefore, a matter of national security  U.S. public opinion initially opposed direct involvement but passing weeks see: 1.Oil prices rise significantly 2.Reports of Iraqi atrocities against Kuwait civilians mount 3.Diplomatic efforts fail to get Saddam to withdraw

44. Operation Desert Storm  In the Persian Gulf War of 1991, a U.N. supported coalition of 28 countries (led by the U.S.) invades Kuwait to drive out the Iraqi army  Plan organized by U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Colin Powell  Invasion led by U.S. Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf  In 6 weeks Kuwait was liberated  President Bush chose to end the offensive before removing Saddam from power, hoping internal Iraqi opposition would. It didn’t…  Despite this, Bush’s approval rating in Feb. 1991, following Desert Storm, soars to 89%

45. The Interesting Election of 1992  Despite Republican George H.W. Bush’s high approval rating following the Persian Gulf War, his popularity quickly eroded because of an economic recession that brought high gas prices and high unemployment.  Bill Clinton wins the democratic nomination, promising to end the recession and reform health care.  Enter H. Ross Perot, an independent candidate and a Texas billionaire who campaigns on economic issues and the fact that he receives no money from special interest groups.

46. And the winner is...  Bill Clinton won 370 electoral votes and 43% of the popular vote.  George Bush won 168 electoral votes and 23% of the popular vote.  Ross Perot won no electoral votes, but 19% of the popular vote. Do you see what happened?  The effects of 3 rd party candidates on Presidential elections:  They have never won.  They often serve as “spoilers,” by taking votes from a major party candidate. In this case, Perot appealed to disgruntled Republicans and Independents. Bush may have won, if Perot had not been in the race.  Also, 3 rd party candidates are able to focus national attention on specific issues, forcing the major party candidates to tackle those issues as well.

47. Another item from the 2013 EOC... How have major parties reacted to the scenario described above? a.By suing the third parties in court for campaign-finance violations b.By persuading the third parties to present a new platform c.By addressing the issues raised by the third parties d.By preventing third parties from holding conventions

48. Domestic Issues under Clinton  In 1993, Bill Clinton put forward a comprehensive healthcare reform bill and appointed his wife, Hillary, to head the task force.  After a contentious 2-year battle, the bill was defeated.  During the 1994 congressional elections, Republican Newt Gingrich put forward the “Contract for America,” which listed conservative principles outlined by the Heritage Foundation.  When the Republicans won a majority in both houses of Congress, Newt Gingrich became Speaker of the House.  In 1995, after a budget showdown between Gingrich and Clinton, the House Republicans temporarily shutdown the government.  By 1999, the Clinton administration had balanced the federal budget and the economy was growing: jobs ↑, median income ↑, inflation ↓, government spending ↓, government surplus ↑.

49. International Issues  When Clinton became president, he inherited the ongoing Balkan Crisis, a series of bloody civil wars between different ethnic groups in the region, which lasted from 1991-1999.  The Clinton foreign policy team, served to mediate between groups, and the U.S. participated as a member of the United Nations Protection Force, enforcing arms embargos, protecting no-fly zones, and conducting trials for war crimes.  As a member of NATO in 1999, the U.S. helped conduct a military campaign in Kosovo, which ended in the ouster of the Yugoslavian president, Slobodan Milošević, and an end to the civil wars.

50. NAFTA, GATT, and the WTO  The 1990s were important years for American Trade Policy.  The 1992 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) sought to end barriers for trading and investment between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.  It also established trade corridors between Mexico and Canada.  Critics say it has led to the loss of thousands of jobs to Mexico.  Supporters say it has tripled the amount of U.S. trade with its neighbors; Canada and Mexico.  In 1994, under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT treaty), 159 participating nations set up the World Trade Organization (or WTO) to strengthen international dispute settlement procedures.

51. The Clinton Scandal  In 1998, President Clinton was accused of having an extramarital affair with a White- house intern named Monica Lewinski.  Though he denied it at a hearing while under oath, he was later forced to admit that it was true.  Consequently, the House of Representatives voted to impeach (bring charges against) him for perjury.  In the end, the Senate failed to convict him of the charges, saying that the charges did not constitute “high crimes and misdemeanors” which is the constitutional requirement for impeachment. Clinton was therefore acquitted.

52. 2000 Presidential Election  Republicans nominate Texas Governor George W. Bush who spoke of a return to morality and respect in the White House and returning much of the budget surplus to the public through tax cuts  Democrats nominate Vice-President Al Gore who campaigned on recent economic health and wanted to use surplus to bolster Social Security and pay down government debt Enter Ralph Nader...

53.  The Green Party nominated liberal consumer advocate Ralph Nader, who likely pulled votes from the liberal conservation-minded Gore

54. Down to the wire...  In the end, the popular election results were as follows: Gore 48.58%, Bush 47.87%, and Nader 2.74%  The electoral vote was just as close and it all came down to Florida. If Gore won Florida’s electoral votes, he’d win. If Bush won Florida’s votes, he’d win. Here’s what it looked like in Florida when we went to bed that night...  But the next morning it was obvious that there had been some discrepancies in certain districts and a recount was demanded.

55. The Supreme Court decides outcome  Florida’s Republican Secretary of State filed suit over the extent of the recount  The U.S. Supreme Court rules that Florida’s 25 electoral votes go to Bush  Bush then wins 271 to 266 electoral votes despite Gore winning the popular vote

56. Quick Write  Write a paragraph explaining two ways that 3 rd -party candidates have impacted U.S. presidential elections. Provide at least one example of a 3 rd -party candidate since 1990 who may have impacted the outcome of the election.

57. George W. Bush Domestic Issues  Bush’s signature piece of domestic legislation is the education reform bill, “No Child Left Behind.” It provided federal funds to states who raise their standards.  The administration’s response to the levee failure after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 posed great challenges and drew public criticism.  In financial matters, the Bush Administration enacted the biggest tax cut in U.S. history, hoping it will stimulate a slowing economy.  Financial Crisis 2008-2009: As President Bush’s second term came to an end, the nation’s economy was in a free fall.

58. Al Qaeda Terrorist Attack  September 11, 2001- Terrorist Attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.  Led to passage of the U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001, which greatly expanded the government’s law enforcement and intelligence gathering powers.  President Bush launches a Global War on Terror which has continued from 2001 until today.  U.S. troops invaded Afghanistan and overthrew the Taliban government which had been harboring the terrorists. Many al-Qaeda members were caught but Osama bin Laden was not.  In 2003, President Bush invaded Iraq based on intelligence information that the Iraqi government had developed “weapons of mass destruction.”

59. Two items from the 2013 EOC...  After the attacks on September 11, 2001, how did U.S. foreign policy change? a.The administration authorized preemptive strikes against nations sponsoring terrorism. b.A program to reduce military bases and personnel in Europe was announced. c.Military aid to Pakistan and Afghanistan was immediately cut off. d.Diplomatic efforts to negotiate peace between Israel and Palestine were abandoned.  Which headline describes an event that resulted from the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001? a.“Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations Resume” b.“Debt Crisis Shakes European Union” c.“Russia Increases Petroleum Exports” d.“Troops Deployed to Afghanistan”

60. The Obama Administration "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," Barack Obama, Election night 2008 Though you were only 6 th -graders when President Obama was elected, think back to how you felt that night. Discuss the significance of this quote and the election of 2008

61. Responding to the Economic Crisis  As President Obama took office the economy was experiencing the 2 nd worst recession since the Great Depression.  Stock prices were falling at an alarming rate.  American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 - To respond to the Great Recession, the primary objective for ARRA was to save and create jobs almost immediately.  Secondary objectives were to provide temporary relief programs for those most impacted by the recession and invest in infrastructure, education, health, and renewable energy. Dow Jones Industrial Index

62. Current Domestic Issues  Comprehensive health care reform has been a goal of many U.S. Presidents since the Progressive Era.  After much debate, the Affordable Care Act was passed and signed by President Obama in March of 2010.  Another major issue that is still under debate is the need for immigration reform.  We have now arrived at the point in our discussion where we are no longer discussing history, but rather the present-day. Congratulations!