President Barack Obama was elected the first African American president of the United States on November 5, 2008.

Learn about the events surrounding the historical election of 2008: how Barack Obama became the Democratic presidential contender against Hillary Clinton and how he ultimately beat John McCain to become the first black president in U.S. history.

An excerpt from Barack H. Obama's inaugural address on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

In 2010 President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, (aka Obamacare), into law to give more Americans access to healthcare, but elements like the individual mandate have caused controversy. Republicans have tried to repeal the law numerous times.