Learning Objectives Students will analyze the accomplishments and challenges of the Clinton presidency. Students will analyze the events that brought President Clinton into power and his domestic agenda.

The Clinton Years

I. Election of 1992 The Clinton/Gore ticket seemed to represent a new direction in politics. A recession began in This greatly hurt Pres. Bush’s chances Clinton focused on the economy

II. Impact of Ross Perot Texas billionaire. Warned Americans about the dangers of growing deficits/debt. He attracted voters concerned about the economy. Most of his supporters were conservatives. They probably would have voted for Bush if Perot was not in the race.

III. Clinton in Office Was able to secure passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act Failed to deliver on health care reform. Many Americans opposed the idea of universal health care.

IV. Republicans take Control of Congress There were mid-term elections in The Republicans appealed to voters with a plan called the Contract with America. It would balance the budget, reform welfare, cut taxes, create jobs. The Republican party won both the House and Senate. Government was divided.

V. Welfare Reform Critics claimed that welfare created generations that were dependent on the federal government. Aid to Families with Dependent Children was eliminated. Replaced with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

VI. Balanced Budget Clinton easily won reelection in Working with Republicans, a balanced budget was passed in Between 1998 and 2000, there was a surplus. This was largely fueled by the “dot-com” boom.

“If we maintain fiscal discipline, America will entirely pay off the national debt by 2015.” -President Clinton

VII. Clinton Foreign Policy After the Soviet Union broke up, the United States was the lone world superpower. This began a new phase in U.S. foreign policy. Clinton’s Administration lacked a clear overall policy. This led to difficulties in Somalia and Haiti.

VIII. Difficulties in Somalia Dec – Pres. Bush send 25,000 troops. Started as a humanitarian mission. Famine Shifted to a UN effort of nation building. 8 American soldiers were killed. Congress demanded that U.S. forces leave.

VIII. Haiti After Somalia, Americans were hesitant to support humanitarian efforts. Haitians were suffering from both poverty and tyranny. Thousands sought refuge in Florida. After negotiation, American troops were allowed to land unopposed in an attempt to restore order. Haiti still remained in hopeless poverty

VII. Clinton’s Impeachment Clinton’s presidency was plagued by scandals. He was accused of illegally profiting from a real estate development in Arkansas. Whitewater During the investigation, it was also discovered that he had engaged in an affair with a White House Intern.

Clinton denied the allegations. He eventually admitted the affair. He was impeached for perjury and obstructing justice. The Senate did not have the 2/3 vote needed to remove him from office.