US History II: The Reagan/BUSh Years
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The following questions related to topics studied in US History for the Reagan and GHW Bush years. If you can answer these questions, you are well on your way to success on the unit test.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The president who ushered in the conservative movement.
- A.
Colin Powell
- B.
Ronald Reagan
- C.
William Buckley
- D.
Lyndon Johnson
- E.
George W. Bush
Correct Answer
B. Ronald ReaganExplanation
Ronald Reagan is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as the president who ushered in the conservative movement in the United States. Reagan's presidency from 1981 to 1989 was marked by his conservative policies, including tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong stance against communism. He emphasized traditional values and a smaller government, which appealed to many conservatives and helped shape the political landscape for years to come. Reagan's conservative ideology and policies had a lasting impact on American politics and solidified his reputation as a leader of the conservative movement.Rate this question:
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- 2.
First female Supreme Court Justice.
- A.
Geraldine Ferraro
- B.
Ruth Bader Ginsberg
- C.
Sandra Day O'Connor
- D.
Lindsey Contrarus
Correct Answer
C. Sandra Day O'ConnorExplanation
Sandra Day O'Connor is the correct answer because she was the first female Supreme Court Justice. Geraldine Ferraro was the first female vice presidential candidate for a major party, not a Supreme Court Justice. Ruth Bader Ginsberg was the second female Supreme Court Justice, not the first. Lindsey Contrarus is not a known figure in relation to the Supreme Court or any significant legal position. Therefore, Sandra Day O'Connor is the only option that fits the description.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Chief of Staff for one president, Secretary of State for another.
- A.
Colin Powell
- B.
James Baker
- C.
Condolezza Rice
- D.
William Buckley
Correct Answer
B. James BakerExplanation
James Baker is the correct answer because he served as the Chief of Staff for President Ronald Reagan and later became the Secretary of State under President George H.W. Bush. This demonstrates his high level of political influence and his ability to hold important positions in different administrations. Colin Powell, Condolezza Rice, and William Buckley did not serve as Chief of Staff for any president.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Gulf War years; this person later became Secretary of State in 2001.
- A.
Condoleeza Rice
- B.
Norman Schwarzkopf
- C.
Colin Powell
- D.
George H. W. Bush
Correct Answer
C. Colin PowellExplanation
Colin Powell was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Gulf War years, serving from 1989 to 1993. He played a crucial role in the military planning and execution of the Gulf War, which took place from 1990 to 1991. After his tenure as Chairman, Powell went on to become the Secretary of State in 2001 under President George W. Bush. Therefore, Colin Powell is the correct answer for this question.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Leader who came into power in the USSR in 1985 who made significant changes in his/her country.
- A.
Mikhail Gorbachev
- B.
Dimitri Mendelev
- C.
Boris Yelsen
- D.
Leonid Breshnev
Correct Answer
A. Mikhail GorbachevExplanation
Mikhail Gorbachev is the correct answer because he was the leader who came into power in the USSR in 1985 and made significant changes in his country. Gorbachev introduced a series of reforms known as "glasnost" and "perestroika" which aimed to open up the Soviet Union politically and economically. These reforms led to increased political freedoms, greater openness in society, and a shift towards a more market-oriented economy. Gorbachev's leadership ultimately contributed to the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Military commander of the US forces during the Gulf War.
- A.
James Baker
- B.
Colin Powell
- C.
Norman Schwarzkopf
- D.
Oliver North
Correct Answer
C. Norman SchwarzkopfExplanation
Norman Schwarzkopf is the correct answer because he was the military commander of the US forces during the Gulf War. He played a crucial role in planning and executing the military strategy that led to the successful liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi forces. Schwarzkopf's leadership and tactical expertise were widely recognized and praised, making him a key figure in the Gulf War. James Baker, Colin Powell, and Oliver North were also involved in various capacities during the Gulf War, but Schwarzkopf held the highest military command position.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Attempted assassin of Ronald Reagan.
- A.
John Hinkley
- B.
John Bates
- C.
James Brady
- D.
Lee Oswald
Correct Answer
A. John HinkleyExplanation
John Hinckley is the correct answer because he is known for attempting to assassinate Ronald Reagan. On March 30, 1981, Hinckley opened fire on Reagan and his entourage outside a hotel in Washington, D.C. His motive was to impress actress Jodie Foster, whom he had an obsession with. Hinckley's assassination attempt injured Reagan and three others, but Reagan survived. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was confined to a psychiatric hospital until his release in 2016.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Leader of Iraq in the 1980s.
- A.
Mikhail Gorbachev
- B.
Anwar el-Sadat
- C.
Menachem Begin
- D.
Saddam Hussein
Correct Answer
D. Saddam HusseinExplanation
Saddam Hussein was the leader of Iraq in the 1980s. He served as the President of Iraq from 1979 until 2003. During his regime, he was known for his oppressive rule and involvement in conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War. His leadership was marked by human rights abuses and the suppression of political opposition. Saddam Hussein's reign ended when he was overthrown by a US-led invasion in 2003 and subsequently captured, tried, and executed.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Leader of Libya and terror sponsor.
- A.
Saddam Hussein
- B.
Ayatollah Khomeini
- C.
Muammar Qaddifi
- D.
Osama bin Laden
Correct Answer
C. Muammar QaddifiExplanation
Muammar Qaddafi was the leader of Libya from 1969 until his death in 2011. He was known for his support of terrorist organizations and sponsorship of international terrorism. Qaddafi provided financial and military support to various terrorist groups, including the Irish Republican Army (IRA), the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). He also orchestrated several acts of terrorism, such as the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988. Qaddafi's role as a sponsor of terrorism makes him the correct answer to the question.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The first female vice presidential candidate on the Democratic or Republican tickets.
- A.
Sandra Day O'Connor
- B.
Hillary Clinton
- C.
Geraldine Ferraro
- D.
Elizabeth Dole
Correct Answer
C. Geraldine FerraroExplanation
Geraldine Ferraro is the correct answer because she was the first female vice presidential candidate on the Democratic or Republican tickets. She made history in 1984 when she was selected as the running mate for Democratic presidential nominee Walter Mondale. Ferraro's nomination was a significant milestone for women in politics and paved the way for future female candidates.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Conservative leader and writer who advanced the movement through writing including a magazine.
- A.
Ronald Reagan
- B.
William Buckley
- C.
George H. W. Bush
- D.
James Baker
Correct Answer
B. William BuckleyExplanation
William Buckley is the correct answer because he was a conservative leader and writer who played a significant role in advancing the conservative movement through his writings, including a magazine. Buckley was the founder and editor of the National Review, a conservative magazine that became influential in shaping conservative thought in the United States. He was known for his articulate and persuasive writing, and his work helped to popularize conservative ideas and principles.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following groups was NOT a part of the conservative coalition?
- A.
Intellectuals
- B.
Business Leaders
- C.
Union Leaders
- D.
Chrisitan Groups
Correct Answer
C. Union LeadersExplanation
The conservative coalition typically consists of groups that support conservative ideologies and policies. Intellectuals, business leaders, and Christian groups are commonly associated with conservative values. However, union leaders are often aligned with progressive or liberal causes, advocating for workers' rights and collective bargaining. Therefore, union leaders were not typically part of the conservative coalition.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following was NOT a conservate objective?
- A.
The end of abortion
- B.
The end of reverse discrimination
- C.
Religious rights such as prayer in school
- D.
Raising taxes
Correct Answer
D. Raising taxesExplanation
The correct answer is "raising taxes." This option does not align with conservative objectives because conservatives generally advocate for lower taxes and limited government intervention in the economy. They believe that lowering taxes can stimulate economic growth and individual prosperity. Therefore, raising taxes contradicts the conservative ideology.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Ronald Reagan at one time worked in Iowa as "Dutch" Reagan. What did he do?
- A.
He worked as a spokesman for the Iowa Cubs.
- B.
He was a sports broadcaster for WHO.
- C.
He was governor.
- D.
He was the head of the Iowa Thespian Society.
Correct Answer
B. He was a sports broadcaster for WHO.Explanation
Ronald Reagan worked in Iowa as "Dutch" Reagan and his role was a sports broadcaster for WHO.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Reaganomics included all of the following EXCEPT plans to
- A.
Cut government
- B.
Reduce taxes
- C.
Use supply side economic theory
- D.
Increase spending on domestic social programs
Correct Answer
D. Increase spending on domestic social programsExplanation
Reaganomics was an economic policy implemented by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. It aimed to stimulate economic growth by cutting government regulations and reducing taxes, which would in turn increase investment and productivity. Additionally, Reaganomics embraced the supply-side economic theory, which believed that reducing taxes would lead to increased production and economic growth. However, Reaganomics did not prioritize increasing spending on domestic social programs. Instead, the focus was on reducing government intervention in the economy and promoting free-market principles.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan resulted in
- A.
The death of three police officers.
- B.
The imprisonment of the assassin for 30 years.
- C.
The Brady Bill gun control law.
- D.
The XXVIIth Amendment.
Correct Answer
C. The Brady Bill gun control law.Explanation
The assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan resulted in the Brady Bill gun control law. This law was enacted in response to the shooting and aimed to regulate the sale and possession of firearms. It required a waiting period and background check for individuals purchasing handguns, with the intention of preventing similar incidents in the future. The assassination attempt highlighted the need for stricter gun control measures, leading to the implementation of the Brady Bill.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The election of 1984 ended in a landslide victory for Reagan. Who did he run against in the general election?
- A.
George H. W. Bush
- B.
Walter Mondale
- C.
Bill Clinton
- D.
Jimmy Carter
Correct Answer
B. Walter MondaleExplanation
In the 1984 general election, Ronald Reagan ran against Walter Mondale. Reagan, the incumbent president and Republican candidate, achieved a landslide victory over his Democratic opponent, Mondale.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Nancy Reagan, the first lady, used her time to promote what policy?
- A.
Reading for young children
- B.
"Just Say No" to drugs
- C.
"Safe Relations" in the fight against AIDS
- D.
Equal pay for equal work
Correct Answer
B. "Just Say No" to drugsExplanation
Nancy Reagan, as the first lady, focused on promoting the "Just Say No" policy against drugs. This campaign aimed to educate and encourage young people to reject drug use and make healthier choices. Nancy Reagan played a significant role in raising awareness about the dangers of drugs and advocating for drug prevention programs. Through her efforts, she aimed to create a drug-free society and protect the well-being of the nation's youth.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What location did the US invade in 1983 to eliminate the Bishop government and their communist activities?
- A.
Grenada
- B.
Panama
- C.
Russia
- D.
Zaire
Correct Answer
A. GrenadaExplanation
In 1983, the US invaded Grenada to eliminate the Bishop government and their communist activities. The Bishop government, led by Maurice Bishop, had close ties to the Soviet Union and Cuba, which raised concerns for the US. The invasion, known as Operation Urgent Fury, was a military intervention aimed at restoring order and democracy in Grenada. The US considered the Bishop government a threat to regional stability and believed that their actions were against US interests in the Caribbean.Rate this question:
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- 20.
In this country, the US were supporting the efforts of the Contras. What is this country?
- A.
Grenada
- B.
Nicaragua
- C.
Vietnam
- D.
Mexico
Correct Answer
B. NicaraguaExplanation
The correct answer is Nicaragua because during the 1980s, the US government provided support to the Contras, who were anti-Sandinista rebels fighting against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. The US saw the Contras as a way to counter the influence of the Soviet Union in the region. This support included financial aid, training, and weapons, which played a significant role in the conflict. Grenada, Vietnam, and Mexico were not directly involved in the US support for the Contras in Nicaragua.Rate this question:
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- 21.
In 1989, George Herber Walker Bush sent thousands of troops to arrest this person in Panama for drug trafficking. Who was he?
- A.
Manuel Noriega
- B.
Hugo Chavez
- C.
Bob Marley
- D.
Paula Abdul
Correct Answer
A. Manuel NoriegaExplanation
In 1989, George Herber Walker Bush sent thousands of troops to arrest Manuel Noriega in Panama for drug trafficking. Noriega was the dictator of Panama at the time and was known for his involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. The United States had been investigating Noriega's activities for years and finally decided to take action. The invasion of Panama, known as Operation Just Cause, resulted in Noriega's arrest and eventual conviction on drug trafficking and racketeering charges.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What event in November of 1989 was a symbol that freedom would soon come to thousands for the first time in decades in Europe?
- A.
The assassination of Gorbachev
- B.
The outbreak of war in Czechoslovakia
- C.
The opening of the Berlin Wall
- D.
The crushing of protest at Tinanmen Square
Correct Answer
C. The opening of the Berlin WallExplanation
In November of 1989, the opening of the Berlin Wall occurred, which was a significant event symbolizing the imminent arrival of freedom for thousands of people in Europe. The Berlin Wall had been a physical barrier separating East and West Germany for several decades, representing the divide between communist and capitalist ideologies. Its sudden opening allowed people to freely cross between the two sides, marking a turning point in history and paving the way for the reunification of Germany. This event was a powerful symbol of the end of the Cold War era and the beginning of a new era of freedom and unity in Europe.Rate this question:
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- 23.
This person assisted in ending the coup attempt in Russia and ended up its first elected President.
- A.
Mikhail Gorbachev
- B.
Boris Yeltsin
- C.
Alexi Yalziniski
- D.
Kcaj Thgulfrednav
Correct Answer
B. Boris YeltsinExplanation
Boris Yeltsin is the correct answer because he played a crucial role in ending the coup attempt in Russia in 1991. During the attempted coup by hardliners within the Soviet Union, Yeltsin, who was then the President of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, rallied the public against the coup and stood up for democracy. His defiance and leadership ultimately led to the failure of the coup and solidified his position as a key figure in Russian politics. As a result, Yeltsin became the first elected President of Russia in 1991.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Libya played a major role in the 1980s terrorism against many actions including the United States. How did the President and the US respond?
- A.
Air strikes
- B.
The creation of a new millitary alliance called NATO
- C.
The creation of the European Community
- D.
The CIA assassinated the leader
Correct Answer
A. Air strikesExplanation
In response to Libya's involvement in terrorism during the 1980s, the President and the US chose to carry out air strikes. This action was taken as a means to retaliate and deter further terrorist activities. Air strikes involve the use of military aircraft to launch targeted attacks on specific locations or targets. By carrying out air strikes, the US aimed to weaken Libya's capabilities and send a message that terrorism would not be tolerated.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The Iran Contra Affair centered on all of the following EXCEPT
- A.
The illegal action of sending money to the Contras.
- B.
The illigal action of sending money to the Sandinistas.
- C.
The exchange of weapons for hostages.
- D.
The mastermind of the operation.
Correct Answer
B. The illigal action of sending money to the Sandinistas.Explanation
The Iran Contra Affair was a political scandal in the 1980s involving the United States government's secret arms sales to Iran, in exchange for the release of American hostages held by Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon. The proceeds from these arms sales were then covertly used to fund the Contras, a rebel group in Nicaragua, who were fighting against the Sandinista government. Therefore, the correct answer is "the illegal action of sending money to the Sandinistas" because the Iran Contra Affair did not involve sending money to the Sandinistas, but rather supporting their opposition, the Contras.Rate this question:
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- 26.
The person who carried out a majority of the operation exposed in the Iran Contra Affair. He was seen as a hero by many and a criminal by others.
- A.
James Bond
- B.
Oliver North
- C.
Poindexter Arnold
- D.
William James
Correct Answer
B. Oliver NorthExplanation
Oliver North is the correct answer because he was heavily involved in the Iran-Contra Affair, a political scandal in the 1980s. He played a major role in the operation, which involved covertly selling weapons to Iran and using the proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua. North's actions were seen as heroic by some who supported the Reagan administration's anti-communist agenda, but he was also viewed as a criminal by others who believed he had violated laws and undermined democracy.Rate this question:
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- 27.
In 1991, the Unites States invade Iraq as part of the UN coalition. Which of the following is NOT a reason?
- A.
Iraq had invaded Kuwait.
- B.
Iraq was threatening the borders of Saudi Arabia.
- C.
Saddam Hussein was threatening to launch an invasion into the newly noncommunist country of Turkmenistan.
- D.
Past abuses against his own people such as the Kurds.
Correct Answer
C. Saddam Hussein was threatening to launch an invasion into the newly noncommunist country of Turkmenistan.Explanation
The correct answer is Saddam Hussein was threatening to launch an invasion into the newly noncommunist country of Turkmenistan. This answer is not a reason for the United States invasion of Iraq in 1991. The invasion was primarily in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the threat it posed to the borders of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, past abuses against the Kurds and other Iraqi citizens were also factors that contributed to the decision to invade Iraq. However, there is no evidence or mention of Saddam Hussein threatening to invade Turkmenistan as a reason for the US invasion.Rate this question:
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