Bill Clinton's Presidential Number and Term
Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States, serving two full terms from January 20, 1993, to January 20, 2001. His presidency is widely referenced in discussions of fiscal policy, technology growth, and global trade. For a current official overview, see the White House historical records on past presidents U.S. Presidents.
The 42nd president succeeded George H. W. Bush and was followed by George W. Bush. Clinton won the popular vote in both 1992 and 1996, securing 370 and 379 electoral votes respectively. His two terms coincided with a period of strong GDP growth and budget surpluses in the late 1990s.
Key Policies and Economic Impact
During Clinton's presidency, major legislation included the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, which raised top income tax rates, and the Welfare Reform Act of 1996. The Clinton administration also oversaw the expansion of NAFTA and the creation of the State Children's Health Insurance Program. For deeper analysis of the economic record, see Forbes coverage on Clinton-era fiscal policy Forbes.
Budget Surpluses and Debt Reduction
The federal budget moved from deficit to surplus in fiscal year 1998, the first surplus since 1969. This was driven by strong revenue growth, spending discipline, and welfare reform. The Congressional Budget Office projected that the surplus would continue if policy remained unchanged.
Technology and Financial Regulation
The Clinton years saw rapid growth of the internet economy and the passage of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act in 1999, which reshaped financial services regulation. These changes influenced the structure of modern banking and set the stage for later financial innovation.
Historical Ranking and Legacy
Bill Clinton consistently ranks near the middle to upper tier in historical surveys of U.S. presidents. He is often noted for economic performance, international diplomacy, and the long-term expansion of the technology sector. For current rankings and expert commentary, see CNBC's presidential rankings CNBC.
Clinton's post-presidency work through the Clinton Foundation and public speaking has also shaped his legacy. His influence on fiscal policy, trade, and global institutions remains a frequent topic in finance and policy discussions.