George W. Bush Presidency, 2000-2008

What factors made the 2000 election controversial?

• Disputed vote counts and a Supreme Court decision

• High voter turnout and peaceful transition

• International interference and cyber attacks

• Unanimous electoral votes

What is the significance of 9/11?

• It marked the end of the Cold War

• It led to major changes in U.S. security and foreign policy

• It was the first moon landing

• It was the start of the American Revolution

Who was Osama bin Laden?

• The President of the United States

• The leader of al Qaeda and mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks

• A famous American general

• The founder of the Department of Homeland Security

Why did the United States attack Afghanistan in 2001?

• To find weapons of mass destruction

• To remove the Taliban and target al Qaeda after 9/11

• To gain control of oil resources

• To support a democratic election

What was the PATRIOT Act?

• A law to increase government surveillance and security after 9/11

• A treaty with Iraq

• A tax reform bill

• A law to lower voting age

Why did Bush think removing Saddam Hussein was important?

• To eliminate a potential threat to the United States and promote democracy in Iraq.

• To improve relations with Russia.

• To increase oil production in the Middle East.

• To reduce taxes for American citizens.

What was the purpose of Bush’s education initiative No Child Left Behind (NCLB)?

• To improve student achievement and close educational gaps.

• To increase military spending.

• To reduce healthcare costs.

• To promote international trade.

Discuss the Bush tax cuts. What were the arguments for and against them?

• Supporters argued they stimulated the economy, while critics said they increased the deficit.

• Supporters argued they improved healthcare, while critics said they hurt education.

• Supporters argued they reduced pollution, while critics said they harmed businesses.

• Supporters argued they promoted world peace, while critics said they caused wars.

How did the Bush administration handle the response to Hurricane Katrina? What were the criticisms?

• The response was criticized for being slow and inadequate.

• The response was praised for its speed and efficiency.

• The response was ignored by the media.

• The response was handled entirely by local volunteers.

What action(s) did the Bush administration take regarding the 2008 financial crisis?

• Implemented emergency measures to stabilize the economy.

• Increased funding for space exploration.

• Reduced military spending.

• Banned international travel.