Skip to main content
Super TutorResources
Chapter 23 of 28
Syllabus

USA 1968-2012: Opportunity and Challenge — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 12 · History

What USA 1968-2012: Opportunity and Challenge covers in ICSE Class 12 History: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session.

70 questions50 flashcards5 concepts

Interactive on Super Tutor

Studying USA 1968-2012: Opportunity and Challenge? Get the full interactive chapter.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for syllabus and more.

Try Super Tutor — Free

Free trial, no card needed.

4 Topics · ICSE Class 12 History · 2026-27

Topics in USA 1968-2012: Opportunity and Challenge

1

Richard Nixon and the Imperial Presidency

  • Nixon won the presidency in 1968 and again in 1972.
  • His presidency is described as an 'imperial presidency' period because power became highly concentrated in the White House.
  • Nixon was born in Yorba Linda, California, in 1913.
2

Ford and Carter: Weakness of the Presidency

  • Gerald Ford became president in 1974 after Nixon resigned.
  • Ford was a Republican Congressman from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  • He was the first man to serve as Vice President and then President without being elected to either office.
3

Reagan and the Shift to the Right

  • Ronald Reagan was president from 1981 to 1989.
  • He was a former Hollywood actor and Governor of California from 1967 to 1975.
  • He won the 1980 election with 50.7% of the popular vote versus Carter's 41% and Anderson's 6%.
4

Iran-Contra and the Limits of Presidential Power

  • Iran-Contra was a covert and illegal foreign policy scandal.
  • Reagan's public anti-terror line was later shown to have no basis in reality regarding Iran-Contra.
  • The affair involved secret arms sales to Iran and diversion of proceeds to the Nicaraguan Contras.

Key Concepts

Central concept: The changing power of the American presidency and the social, economic, and political challenges faced by the United States from Nixon to Obama

Richard Nixon and the imperial presidencyWatergate and the collapse of trustGerald Ford and restoration after scandalJimmy Carter and presidential weaknessCivil rights, race, and school desegregationRonald Reagan and the shift to the rightReaganomics and economic changeReagan second term and scandal

Work through every topic in USA 1968-2012: Opportunity and Challenge with notes and quizzes

Start This Chapter

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in USA 1968-2012: Opportunity and Challenge for ICSE Class 12 History?
Key topics in USA 1968-2012: Opportunity and Challenge include Richard Nixon and the Imperial Presidency, Ford and Carter: Weakness of the Presidency, Reagan and the Shift to the Right, Iran-Contra and the Limits of Presidential Power. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise USA 1968-2012: Opportunity and Challenge for the ICSE Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 70 practice questions on USA 1968-2012: Opportunity and Challenge. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

More resources for USA 1968-2012: Opportunity and Challenge

All ICSE Class 12 History Syllabus

For serious students

Get the full USA 1968-2012: Opportunity and Challenge chapter — start free.

Quizzes, flashcards, an AI doubt solver and a study plan for ICSE Class 12 History. Free to start, no card needed.

Try Super Tutor Free
Try this chapter free