AP US History: Period 9 (1980–Present) 2

Question 1

Ronald Reagan's economic policy, often called 'Reaganomics,' was primarily based on which theory?

Accepted Answer

Supply-side economics

Answer

Reaganomics relied on supply-side economics, arguing that tax cuts would spur investment and growth.

Question 2

The Tax Reform Act of 1986 under Reagan is best described as doing what?

Accepted Answer

Lowering top rates while closing loopholes

Answer

The 1986 act lowered top marginal rates while eliminating many tax shelters and loopholes.

Question 3

Reagan's appointment of Sandra Day O'Connor in 1981 was historically significant because she was the first woman to do what?

Accepted Answer

Serve on the Supreme Court

Answer

Sandra Day O'Connor became the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Question 4

The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), nicknamed 'Star Wars,' was a proposed system to do what?

Accepted Answer

Intercept incoming nuclear missiles

Answer

SDI was a proposed space-based missile defense system to intercept Soviet nuclear missiles.

Question 5

The Iran-Contra affair during Reagan's second term involved secretly selling arms to Iran to fund what?

Accepted Answer

Anti-communist Contras in Nicaragua

Answer

Proceeds from secret arms sales to Iran were illegally diverted to fund the Contras in Nicaragua.

AP Practice Test