Review Questions

1.  The introduction divides this chapter into two different narrative arcs: the first one—from 1992 to 2001—is mostly positive; the second, from 9/11 through 2010, is said to constitute—as Time magazine put it—“The Decade from Hell.” What were the “positive” aspects of the period from 1992 to 2001? The “negative” components of the subsequent one? How is this characterization too simple?

2.  Bill Clinton was hardly the first president to commit adultery. Why did his indiscretions lead to charges that resulted in an impeachment proceeding? Did his actions constitute “high crimes and misdemeanors”? What were the major achievements of the Clinton presidency?

3.  The section of this chapter on the disputed 2000 presidential election is subtitled: “George W. Bush Wins by One Vote.” What does that mean? Why did Bush win the election?

4.  Why did Islamist terrorists attack on 9/11? Why did George W. Bush go to war against Afghanistan shortly afterwards? Why did he then invade Iraq? What issues in Iraq made it difficult to withdraw United States troops?

5.  Hurricane Katrina was a natural disaster. To what extent, however, did human actions—and inactions—aggravate the calamity?

6.  Why did global financial markets nearly collapse from 2008-2009? What caused the financial meltdown? What impact did it have on Americans?

7.  What factors contributed to Barack Obama being elected president? What were the major elements of his health care reform act and how did he get it through Congress?

8.  Why did Obama send American troops back into Afghanistan?

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