Challenges of the 21st Century

AP US History· difficulty 3/5

Bush Approval Rating, 2001-2008 (%) 90 60 30 0 9/11/2001 Iraq War '03 Katrina '05 Fin. crisis '08 '01 '03 '05 '08 Source: Gallup polls

The September 2001 spike to roughly 90% approval is best understood as an example of which phenomenon?

  • A

    Successful supply-side economic policy

  • B

    A 'rally-around-the-flag' effect during a major national security crisis

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  • C

    Public response to a Supreme Court ruling

  • D

    A landslide reelection mandate

Explanation

Bush's approval surged from roughly 50% to 90% after 9/11, illustrating the rally-around-the-flag effect, where presidents enjoy spikes during external crises. The rally faded as the Iraq War lengthened.

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