The Great Society - AP U.S. History

The Clean Air Act of 1963. First major federal legislation to address air pollution and set emission standards.

Combatting poverty through job training and education. Created programs like Job Corps and VISTA to break the cycle of poverty.

The Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965. Created HUD cabinet department and expanded federal housing assistance programs.

To eliminate poverty and racial injustice. Johnson's ambitious domestic agenda sought to create an equitable society through federal intervention.

The National Endowment for the Arts. Federal support for artists and cultural institutions to promote American arts.

To fund scholarships and student loans. Made college accessible through federal financial aid and student loan programs.

Medicare. Part of Social Security Amendments, providing healthcare for Americans 65 and older.

Head Start. Early childhood education program targeting low-income families to improve school readiness.

To establish public television and radio. Created PBS and NPR to provide educational and cultural programming.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965. Enforced 15th Amendment by eliminating literacy tests and discriminatory voting practices.

Legal Services Corporation. Provided free legal assistance to low-income Americans in civil matters.

To establish Medicare and Medicaid. Added healthcare provisions to existing Social Security system for elderly and poor.

The Air and Water Quality Act of 1965. Set federal standards for air pollution control and water quality monitoring.

The Housing Act of 1968. Fair housing legislation prohibiting discrimination and expanding affordable housing.

To reduce the poverty rate in the United States. Johnson declared 'unconditional war on poverty' to lift Americans from economic hardship.

The Department of Transportation Act. Created cabinet-level department to coordinate federal transportation policy and programs.

Abolished national-origin quotas. Replaced discriminatory quota system with family reunification and skills-based immigration.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act. First major federal education funding, especially targeting disadvantaged schools.

To provide food assistance to low-income families. Established federal food assistance program to address hunger and malnutrition.

The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Established federal safety standards and recall authority for automobile manufacturers.

Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). Domestic Peace Corps program placing volunteers in impoverished American communities.

To administer programs aimed at reducing poverty. Coordinated War on Poverty programs like Head Start and Job Corps.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964. Landmark legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment, education, and public facilities.

To fund primary and secondary education. First major federal education funding, targeting schools serving low-income students.

School breakfast and lunch programs. Federal nutrition programs ensuring children received meals at school.

To increase accessibility and equality in education. Federal funding aimed to reduce educational disparities and promote equal opportunity.

The Highway Safety Act of 1966. Set federal standards for road safety and vehicle equipment requirements.

The Adult Education Act. Provided literacy and basic education programs for adults lacking formal schooling.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Federal funding for K-12 education, targeting schools with low-income students.