al-Qaeda
extremist Islamic terrorist group headed by Osama bin Laden responsible for deadly attacks on the U.S. embassy in East Africa (1998), the USS Cole (2000), and New York City and Washington, DC (2001)
anthrax
deadly bacterium transmitted to humans through eating, drinking, and breathing
climate change
long-term change in usual weather patterns associated with the buildup and warming effect of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere
deficit
result of spending more money than is brought in
extradite
to hand over a person accused or convicted of a crime to the foreign state in which the crime was committed
foreclosure
legal process by which a homeowner/borrower loses all rights to a property after a period of nonpayment. The property becomes the possession of the bank.
Great Recession
18-month period of global economic contraction from December 2007 to June 2009
impeach
to formally level charges against a high government official. In the case of a president, the House of Representatives initiates the proceedings.
inflation
effect of an increase in the price of goods and the decrease in money's purchasing power
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
trade agreement that eliminated restrictive customs taxes and policies on imports and exports between the United States, Canada, and Mexico
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
military alliance created by the Allied powers after World War II
Osama bin Laden
Islamic terrorist and head of al-Qaeda, behind the 1998 American embassy attacks, the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, and the 9/11 attacks in New York City, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania
partisan
strong, uncompromising support of a particular political party, cause, or ideology
perjury
willful lie in a court while under oath
populist
advocating for the rights and concerns of ordinary citizens
Tea Party
grassroots populist social and political movement that began in 2009
terrorism
unlawful use of violence and intimidation in pursuit of political gains
USA PATRIOT Act
acronym for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act, which greatly expanded the powers of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies such as the CIA and FBI in response to 9/11 terrorism
weapons of mass destruction
chemical, biological, or radioactive weapons capable of causing widespread casualties
Whitewater
federal investigation into Bill and Hillary Clinton's alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud two financial institutions