KEY TERMS Key Terms and People to Know for the Regents Exam
Election of Obama
In 2008, Barack Obama became this first African American to be elected President. Obama focused his administration on ending the “Great Recession” of 2008, expanding healthcare coverage, and continuing the War on Terror.
Population Census
Every 10 years the US takes a census (population count) to determine the number of representatives (in the House of Reps) and electors (in the Electoral College) for each state. In recent years, the South and West have been gaining population.
Global Warming
A major issue facing the world is the danger posed by global warming. Human use of fossil fuels (gas for cars, coal for electricity) has contributed to global warming, which will severely damage and alter the environment if the warming is not reduced.
Future of Social Security
A major issue confronting the US in the near future is the status of the Social Security system as millions of baby boomers enter retirement. Social Security pays money (made from a tax on workers) to pensioners (retired workers).