Social Studies: AP US History: Post-1980 America
Politics, economics, culture, and global change since 1980
Social Studies: AP US History: Post-1980 America
Politics, economics, culture, and global change since 1980
Social Studies - Grade 9-12
- 1
Explain one major reason for the rise of modern conservatism in the United States by the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Think about the economy, the Iran hostage crisis, and reactions against Great Society liberalism.
One major reason for the rise of modern conservatism was frustration with inflation, unemployment, and distrust of government after the 1970s. Many voters supported Reagan because he promised tax cuts, deregulation, a stronger military, and a smaller federal government. - 2
Describe two key features of Reaganomics and explain how supporters believed it would help the economy.
Two key features of Reaganomics were tax cuts and deregulation. Supporters argued that lowering taxes and reducing government rules would encourage business investment, create jobs, and increase economic growth. - 3
Use the chart to identify one trend in federal budget deficits during the 1980s and explain one cause of that trend.
Look for the relationship between taxes, defense spending, and government revenue.
A likely trend is that federal budget deficits increased during much of the 1980s. One cause was the combination of major tax cuts and increased military spending, which reduced revenue while raising government expenditures. - 4
Explain how the end of the Cold War changed the United States' role in world affairs during the 1990s.
The end of the Cold War left the United States as the world's leading superpower. During the 1990s, U.S. leaders focused more on regional conflicts, humanitarian interventions, global trade, and expanding democratic and capitalist institutions. - 5
Compare U.S. foreign policy during the Reagan administration with U.S. foreign policy during the George H. W. Bush administration.
Consider the Soviet Union, military force, and coalition building.
Reagan emphasized military buildup and strong opposition to communism while also negotiating arms reductions with the Soviet Union. George H. W. Bush managed the end of the Cold War and led a broad international coalition in the Persian Gulf War. - 6
Explain one cause and one effect of the Persian Gulf War of 1991.
One cause of the Persian Gulf War was Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. One effect was that the United States demonstrated its ability to lead a multinational coalition and use advanced military technology in a post-Cold War conflict. - 7
Explain how globalization affected the U.S. economy in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Include both benefits and costs in your response.
Globalization increased international trade and helped some businesses expand into world markets. It also contributed to factory closures and job losses in some manufacturing communities as companies moved production to countries with lower labor costs. - 8
Describe one goal of the North American Free Trade Agreement and one criticism of it.
One goal of NAFTA was to reduce trade barriers between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. One criticism was that it encouraged some companies to move manufacturing jobs out of the United States to lower-wage areas. - 9
Explain how immigration after 1980 contributed to changes in American society.
Think about immigration from Latin America, Asia, and other regions.
Immigration after 1980 increased the cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity of the United States. It also reshaped communities, labor markets, schools, and political debates about citizenship, border policy, and national identity. - 10
Analyze how the growth of the internet and digital technology changed American life from the 1990s to the early 2000s.
The internet and digital technology changed American life by transforming communication, commerce, education, entertainment, and access to information. These changes also raised new concerns about privacy, misinformation, and unequal access to technology. - 11
Explain one major impact of the September 11, 2001 attacks on U.S. domestic policy.
Focus on security, surveillance, airports, or federal agencies.
One major domestic impact of the September 11 attacks was the expansion of national security powers. The creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the passage of the USA PATRIOT Act increased federal authority to monitor and prevent terrorism. - 12
Explain one major impact of the September 11, 2001 attacks on U.S. foreign policy.
One major foreign policy impact was the beginning of the War on Terror. The United States invaded Afghanistan to target al-Qaeda and the Taliban, and later invaded Iraq as part of a broader strategy to confront perceived security threats. - 13
Use the timeline to explain how debates over presidential power changed after 2001.
Look for examples involving war powers, surveillance, and civil liberties.
After 2001, debates over presidential power intensified because presidents claimed broad authority to respond to terrorism and national security threats. Critics argued that policies such as surveillance, detention, and military action required stronger congressional and judicial oversight. - 14
Explain how the 2008 financial crisis affected debates over the role of the federal government in the economy.
The 2008 financial crisis renewed debates over whether the federal government should intervene to stabilize the economy. Supporters of intervention backed bank bailouts, stimulus spending, and stronger regulation, while critics argued that these actions increased debt and government power. - 15
Identify one major social or political movement after 1980 and explain how it reflected broader changes in American society.
Other valid examples include the Tea Party, Black Lives Matter, the environmental movement, the anti-globalization movement, or movements for immigrant rights.
One major movement was the movement for LGBTQ rights, which reflected changing attitudes about equality, identity, and civil rights. Its successes, including growing public support and the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015, showed how social activism could reshape law and culture.