CONTENT STATEMENT
Focusing on domestic policy, the United States faces ongoing social, political, national security, and economic challenges in the post-Cold War era and following the attacks on September 11, 2001.
CONTENT ELABORATION
The post-Cold War period and the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, presented new domestic challenges for the United States. Issues impacting national security include:
- the dynamic of balancing national security with civil liberties (USA PATRIOT Act);
- the creation of the Transportation Security Administration;
- an increase in Islamophobia and xenophobia; and
- increasing fears of domestic terrorism.
The continuing debate between the role of the state and federal government in political and social issues includes disagreements over:
- LGBTQ+ rights;
- legalization of marijuana for medical conditions;
- gun rights and gun control;
- racial and gender equality; and
- health care.
- Issues impacting the American economy include:
- operating within a globalized economy;
- a post-Cold War decrease in defense spending;
- the mortgage crisis; and
- government bailouts.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Explain the social, political, economic, and national security challenges the United States’ domestic policy faced in the post-Cold War period and following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.