America Enters a New Century

America Enters a New Century

Chapter 21 - Section 4 & 5Chapter 21 - Section 4 & 5

The Big IdeaThe Big IdeaIn the Presidential election of 2000, George W. Bush faced off with Vice President Al Gore and the Green Party candidate Ralph Nader. The close election results in Florida led to a Supreme Court Decision over a recount. While Gore won the “Popular” vote, Bush became president based on Electoral votes. Bush focused on cutting taxes and introducing healthcare and education reforms. In addition, Bush looked to improve the military for the post “Cold War” world.

A New President & a New Century

A New President & a New Century

2000 Campaign

Rep. - George W. Bush

V.P. Richard Cheney (Former Sec. of Defense

Dem. - VP. Al Gore

V.P. Joe Liberman (Critical of Clintons Actions in WH)

Green PartyGreen Party

Green Party- Ralph Nader

Critical of govt & power of corporations

Only received 3% of vote

PlatformsPlatformsBoth Candidates - Similar Political Platforms

Gore:

Cut taxes, set funds aside for social sec., improve education,

Bush:

Bigger tax cuts, improve education, social sec., restore dignity to the White House

Close VoteClose VotePopular Vote=

Bush 47.9% - 50,456,002 Votes

Gore 48.4% - 50,999,897 Votes

Nader 3% - 2,882,995 Votes

No one had the required 270 Electoral votes (Both had 245)

Election HIstoryElection HIstory

1880 - Garfield v. Hancock - Closest Election by Popular Vote - 7,018

1960 - Nixon v. Kennedy - 2nd Pop. Vote - 102,827 votes

2000 - (Modern Era) Closest Electoral Votes 271 - 266

Florida RecountFlorida Recount

Results Very Close - Florida State law required a recount

Many ballots thrown out / machines not able to read them correctly “Hanging Chad”

Machine poll showed Bush leading

Ballot ProblemBallot Problem

Ballot ConfusionBallot Confusion

Bush v. GoreBush v. Gore

Concern - Recount would not finish by Florida deadline (Dec. 7 - Electoral College Votes) - Gore went to S.C. to set a new deadline

Bush appealed to U.S. S.C.

Bush v. GoreBush v. Gore

Florida Courts ordered “Manual” recount of rejected ballots

U.S.S.C in 7-2 vote - overruled Florida / required recount to stop

S.C. decision - Hand recount violated the “Equal Protection Clause of Constitution”

S.C. RulingS.C. RulingDifferent counters - different standards, not all votes treated / processes the same / equally

Not enough time for manual recount

If Florida missed deadline - Gore would be the winner

Ruling = Florida Declared Bush Winner by 537 Votes

Bush as PresidentBush as PresidentEconomy falling / high unemployment

Cut taxes to boost economy / Issued Rebate checks to stimulate economy

Education - “No Child Left Behind”

Increased Military spending - Develop “Strategic Defense” Missile Systems - Small military forces & Superior Air Power

War on Terrorism

War on Terrorism

Ch.21 - Sec. 5Ch.21 - Sec. 5

Sept. 11, 2001Sept. 11, 2001

9/11 Aftermath9/11 AftermathBiggest Terrorist Attack in U.S. History

266 passengers killed

125 people in Pentagon

About 3000 people died

More than Pearl Harbor or D-Day