PERIOD 9: 1980–PRESENT
Learning Objectives
(Focus of Exam Questions)
Key Concept 9.1 — A newly ascendant conservative movement
achieved several political and policy goals during the 1980s and
continued to strongly influence public discourse in the following
decades.
POL-1.0: Explain how and
why political ideas, beliefs,
institutions, party systems, and
alignments have developed and
changed.
POL-2.0: Explain how popular
movements, reform efforts, and
activist groups have sought to
change American society and
institutions.
POL-3.0: Explain how different
beliefs about the federal
government’s role in U.S. social
and economic life have affected
political debates and policies.
WXT-2.0: Explain how
patterns of exchange, markets,
and private enterprise have
developed, and analyze
ways that governments have
responded to economic issues.
I. Conservative beliefs regarding the need for traditional social values and a
reduced role for government advanced in U.S. politics after 1980.
A. Ronald Reagan’s victory
in the presidential election
of 1980 represented an
important milestone, allowing
conservatives to enact
significant tax cuts and
continue the deregulation of
many industries.
B. Conservatives argued that
liberal programs were
counterproductive in fighting
poverty and stimulating
economic growth. Some of
their efforts to reduce the size
and scope of government
met with inertia and liberal
opposition, as many programs
remained popular with voters.
C. Policy debates continued
over free-trade agreements,
the scope of the government
social safety net, and calls
to reform the U.S. financial
system.
Period 9: 1980–PRESENT
Key Concept 9.1
TEACHER-SELECTED EXAMPLES OF HISTORICAL
INDIVIDUALS, EVENTS, TOPICS, OR SOURCES FOR
STUDENTS TO EXAMINE THE KEY CONCEPT IN DEPTH
▲
Return to Table of Contents
© 2017 The College Board
AP United States History Course and Exam Description 94
Concept Outline
Related Thematic
Learning Objectives
(Focus of Exam Questions)
Key Concept 9.2 — Moving into the 21st century, the nation
experienced significant technological, economic, and demographic
changes.
WXT-1.0: Explain how different
labor systems developed in
North America and the United
States, and explain their effects
on workers’ lives and U.S.
society.
WXT-2.0: Explain how
patterns of exchange, markets,
and private enterprise have
developed, and analyze
ways that governments have
responded to economic issues.
WXT-3.0: Analyze how
technological innovation has
affected economic development
and society.
I. New developments in science and technology enhanced the economy and
transformed society, while manufacturing decreased.
A. Economic productivity
increased as improvements
in digital communications
enabled increased American
participation in worldwide
economic opportunities.
B. Technological innovations
in computing, digital
mobile technology, and
the Internet transformed
daily life, increased access
to information, and led to
new social behaviors and
networks.
C. Employment increased in
service sectors and decreased
in manufacturing, and union
membership declined.
D. Real wages stagnated for the
working and middle class
amid growing economic
inequality.
Period 9: 1980–PRESENT
Key Concept 9.2
TEACHER-SELECTED EXAMPLES OF HISTORICAL
INDIVIDUALS, EVENTS, TOPICS, OR SOURCES FOR
STUDENTS TO EXAMINE THE KEY CONCEPT IN DEPTH
▲
Return to Table of Contents
© 2017 The College Board
AP United States History Course and Exam Description 95
Concept Outline
Related Thematic
Learning Objectives
(Focus of Exam Questions)
Key Concept 9.2 — Moving into the 21st century, the nation
experienced significant technological, economic, and demographic
changes.
NAT-4.0: Analyze relationships
among different regional, social,
ethnic, and racial groups, and
explain how these groups’
experiences have related to U.S.
national identity.
CUL-3.0: Explain how ideas
about women’s rights and
gender roles have affected
society and politics.
MIG-1.0: Explain the causes
of migration to colonial
North America and, later, the
United States, and analyze
immigration’s effects on U.S.
society.
MIG-2.0: Analyze causes of
internal migration and patterns
of settlement in what would
become the United States, and
explain how migration has
affected American life.
II. The U.S. population continued to undergo demographic shifts that had
significant cultural and political consequences.
A. After 1980, the political,
economic, and cultural
influence of the American
South and West continued to
increase as population shifted
to those areas.
B. International migration from
Latin America and Asia
increased dramatically. The
new immigrants affected U.S.
culture in many ways and
supplied the economy with an
important labor force.
C. Intense political and cultural
debates continued over issues
such as immigration policy,
diversity, gender roles, and
family structures.
Period 9: 1980–PRESENT
Key Concept 9.2
TEACHER-SELECTED EXAMPLES OF HISTORICAL
INDIVIDUALS, EVENTS, TOPICS, OR SOURCES FOR
STUDENTS TO EXAMINE THE KEY CONCEPT IN DEPTH
▲
Return to Table of Contents
© 2017 The College Board
AP United States History Course and Exam Description 96
Concept Outline
Related Thematic
Learning Objectives
(Focus of Exam Questions)
Key Concept 9.3 — The end of the Cold War and new challenges to
U.S. leadership forced the nation to redefine its foreign policy and
role in the world.
WOR-2.0: Analyze the reasons
for, and results of, U.S.
diplomatic, economic, and
military initiatives in North
America and overseas.
I. The Reagan administration promoted an interventionist foreign policy
that continued in later administrations, even after the end of the
Cold War.
A. Reagan asserted U.S.
opposition to communism
through speeches, diplomatic
efforts, limited military
interventions, and a buildup
of nuclear and conventional
weapons.
B. Increased U.S. military
spending, Reagan’s
diplomatic initiatives,
and political changes
and economic problems
in Eastern Europe and
the Soviet Union were all
important in ending the
Cold War.
C. The end of the Cold War
led to new diplomatic
relationships but also
new U.S. military and
peacekeeping interventions,
as well as continued debates
over the appropriate use of
American power in the world.
Period 9: 1980–PRESENT
Key Concept 9.3
TEACHER-SELECTED EXAMPLES OF HISTORICAL
INDIVIDUALS, EVENTS, TOPICS, OR SOURCES FOR
STUDENTS TO EXAMINE THE KEY CONCEPT IN DEPTH
▲
Return to Table of Contents
© 2017 The College Board
AP United States History Course and Exam Description 97
Concept Outline
Related Thematic
Learning Objectives
(Focus of Exam Questions)
Key Concept 9.3 — The end of the Cold War and new challenges to
U.S. leadership forced the nation to redefine its foreign policy and
role in the world.
NAT-2.0: Explain how
interpretations of the
Constitution and debates over
rights, liberties, and definitions
of citizenship have affected
American values, politics, and
society.
NAT-3.0: Analyze how ideas
about national identity changed
in response to U.S. involvement
in international conflicts and
the growth of the United States.
GEO-1.0: Explain how
geographic and environmental
factors shaped the development
of various communities, and
analyze how competition
for and debates over natural
resources have affected both
interactions among different
groups and the development of
government policies.
WOR-2.0: Analyze the reasons
for, and results of, U.S.
diplomatic, economic, and
military initiatives in North
America and overseas.
II. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, U.S. foreign policy efforts
focused on fighting terrorism around the world.
A. In the wake of attacks on the
World Trade Center and the
Pentagon, the United States
launched military efforts
against terrorism and lengthy,
controversial conflicts in
Afghanistan and Iraq.
B. The war on terrorism sought
to improve security within
the United States but also
raised questions about the
protection of civil liberties
and human rights.
C. Conflicts in the Middle East
and concerns about climate
change led to debates over
U.S. dependence on fossil
fuels and the impact of
economic consumption on the
environment.
D. Despite economic and foreign
policy challenges, the United
States continued as the
world’s leading superpower in
the 21st century.
Period 9: 1980–PRESENT
Key Concept 9.3
TEACHER-SELECTED EXAMPLES OF HISTORICAL
INDIVIDUALS, EVENTS, TOPICS, OR SOURCES FOR
Learning Objectives
(Focus of Exam Questions)
Key Concept 9.1 — A newly ascendant conservative movement
achieved several political and policy goals during the 1980s and
continued to strongly influence public discourse in the following
decades.
POL-1.0: Explain how and
why political ideas, beliefs,
institutions, party systems, and
alignments have developed and
changed.
POL-2.0: Explain how popular
movements, reform efforts, and
activist groups have sought to
change American society and
institutions.
POL-3.0: Explain how different
beliefs about the federal
government’s role in U.S. social
and economic life have affected
political debates and policies.
WXT-2.0: Explain how
patterns of exchange, markets,
and private enterprise have
developed, and analyze
ways that governments have
responded to economic issues.
I. Conservative beliefs regarding the need for traditional social values and a
reduced role for government advanced in U.S. politics after 1980.
A. Ronald Reagan’s victory
in the presidential election
of 1980 represented an
important milestone, allowing
conservatives to enact
significant tax cuts and
continue the deregulation of
many industries.
B. Conservatives argued that
liberal programs were
counterproductive in fighting
poverty and stimulating
economic growth. Some of
their efforts to reduce the size
and scope of government
met with inertia and liberal
opposition, as many programs
remained popular with voters.
C. Policy debates continued
over free-trade agreements,
the scope of the government
social safety net, and calls
to reform the U.S. financial
system.
Period 9: 1980–PRESENT
Key Concept 9.1
TEACHER-SELECTED EXAMPLES OF HISTORICAL
INDIVIDUALS, EVENTS, TOPICS, OR SOURCES FOR
STUDENTS TO EXAMINE THE KEY CONCEPT IN DEPTH
▲
Return to Table of Contents
© 2017 The College Board
AP United States History Course and Exam Description 94
Concept Outline
Related Thematic
Learning Objectives
(Focus of Exam Questions)
Key Concept 9.2 — Moving into the 21st century, the nation
experienced significant technological, economic, and demographic
changes.
WXT-1.0: Explain how different
labor systems developed in
North America and the United
States, and explain their effects
on workers’ lives and U.S.
society.
WXT-2.0: Explain how
patterns of exchange, markets,
and private enterprise have
developed, and analyze
ways that governments have
responded to economic issues.
WXT-3.0: Analyze how
technological innovation has
affected economic development
and society.
I. New developments in science and technology enhanced the economy and
transformed society, while manufacturing decreased.
A. Economic productivity
increased as improvements
in digital communications
enabled increased American
participation in worldwide
economic opportunities.
B. Technological innovations
in computing, digital
mobile technology, and
the Internet transformed
daily life, increased access
to information, and led to
new social behaviors and
networks.
C. Employment increased in
service sectors and decreased
in manufacturing, and union
membership declined.
D. Real wages stagnated for the
working and middle class
amid growing economic
inequality.
Period 9: 1980–PRESENT
Key Concept 9.2
TEACHER-SELECTED EXAMPLES OF HISTORICAL
INDIVIDUALS, EVENTS, TOPICS, OR SOURCES FOR
STUDENTS TO EXAMINE THE KEY CONCEPT IN DEPTH
▲
Return to Table of Contents
© 2017 The College Board
AP United States History Course and Exam Description 95
Concept Outline
Related Thematic
Learning Objectives
(Focus of Exam Questions)
Key Concept 9.2 — Moving into the 21st century, the nation
experienced significant technological, economic, and demographic
changes.
NAT-4.0: Analyze relationships
among different regional, social,
ethnic, and racial groups, and
explain how these groups’
experiences have related to U.S.
national identity.
CUL-3.0: Explain how ideas
about women’s rights and
gender roles have affected
society and politics.
MIG-1.0: Explain the causes
of migration to colonial
North America and, later, the
United States, and analyze
immigration’s effects on U.S.
society.
MIG-2.0: Analyze causes of
internal migration and patterns
of settlement in what would
become the United States, and
explain how migration has
affected American life.
II. The U.S. population continued to undergo demographic shifts that had
significant cultural and political consequences.
A. After 1980, the political,
economic, and cultural
influence of the American
South and West continued to
increase as population shifted
to those areas.
B. International migration from
Latin America and Asia
increased dramatically. The
new immigrants affected U.S.
culture in many ways and
supplied the economy with an
important labor force.
C. Intense political and cultural
debates continued over issues
such as immigration policy,
diversity, gender roles, and
family structures.
Period 9: 1980–PRESENT
Key Concept 9.2
TEACHER-SELECTED EXAMPLES OF HISTORICAL
INDIVIDUALS, EVENTS, TOPICS, OR SOURCES FOR
STUDENTS TO EXAMINE THE KEY CONCEPT IN DEPTH
▲
Return to Table of Contents
© 2017 The College Board
AP United States History Course and Exam Description 96
Concept Outline
Related Thematic
Learning Objectives
(Focus of Exam Questions)
Key Concept 9.3 — The end of the Cold War and new challenges to
U.S. leadership forced the nation to redefine its foreign policy and
role in the world.
WOR-2.0: Analyze the reasons
for, and results of, U.S.
diplomatic, economic, and
military initiatives in North
America and overseas.
I. The Reagan administration promoted an interventionist foreign policy
that continued in later administrations, even after the end of the
Cold War.
A. Reagan asserted U.S.
opposition to communism
through speeches, diplomatic
efforts, limited military
interventions, and a buildup
of nuclear and conventional
weapons.
B. Increased U.S. military
spending, Reagan’s
diplomatic initiatives,
and political changes
and economic problems
in Eastern Europe and
the Soviet Union were all
important in ending the
Cold War.
C. The end of the Cold War
led to new diplomatic
relationships but also
new U.S. military and
peacekeeping interventions,
as well as continued debates
over the appropriate use of
American power in the world.
Period 9: 1980–PRESENT
Key Concept 9.3
TEACHER-SELECTED EXAMPLES OF HISTORICAL
INDIVIDUALS, EVENTS, TOPICS, OR SOURCES FOR
STUDENTS TO EXAMINE THE KEY CONCEPT IN DEPTH
▲
Return to Table of Contents
© 2017 The College Board
AP United States History Course and Exam Description 97
Concept Outline
Related Thematic
Learning Objectives
(Focus of Exam Questions)
Key Concept 9.3 — The end of the Cold War and new challenges to
U.S. leadership forced the nation to redefine its foreign policy and
role in the world.
NAT-2.0: Explain how
interpretations of the
Constitution and debates over
rights, liberties, and definitions
of citizenship have affected
American values, politics, and
society.
NAT-3.0: Analyze how ideas
about national identity changed
in response to U.S. involvement
in international conflicts and
the growth of the United States.
GEO-1.0: Explain how
geographic and environmental
factors shaped the development
of various communities, and
analyze how competition
for and debates over natural
resources have affected both
interactions among different
groups and the development of
government policies.
WOR-2.0: Analyze the reasons
for, and results of, U.S.
diplomatic, economic, and
military initiatives in North
America and overseas.
II. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, U.S. foreign policy efforts
focused on fighting terrorism around the world.
A. In the wake of attacks on the
World Trade Center and the
Pentagon, the United States
launched military efforts
against terrorism and lengthy,
controversial conflicts in
Afghanistan and Iraq.
B. The war on terrorism sought
to improve security within
the United States but also
raised questions about the
protection of civil liberties
and human rights.
C. Conflicts in the Middle East
and concerns about climate
change led to debates over
U.S. dependence on fossil
fuels and the impact of
economic consumption on the
environment.
D. Despite economic and foreign
policy challenges, the United
States continued as the
world’s leading superpower in
the 21st century.
Period 9: 1980–PRESENT
Key Concept 9.3
TEACHER-SELECTED EXAMPLES OF HISTORICAL
INDIVIDUALS, EVENTS, TOPICS, OR SOURCES FOR