Key Legislation Flashcards
Hatch Act, 1939
Limits political activities of civil service employees
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title II bans discrimination in public places on basis of race, color, national origin, or religion.
Title VII prohibits employment discrimination plus sex
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Suspends literacy tests; empowered officials to register voters/ensure citizens to vote/count ballots prohibited states from changing voting procedures w/o federal permission
Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 1967
Bans age discrimination for jobs unless age is related to job performance
Air Quality Act, 1967 and various Clean Air Acts, 1960s-90s
Established emissions standards for cars and factories and minimum standards for states
Federal Election Campaign Acts, 1971-1974
Created FEC; requires disclosure of contributions/spending, limitations and subsidies for pres candidate contribution/spending
Title IX of Education Act of 1972
Prohibited gender discrimination in federally subsidized education programs
War Powers Act, 1973
Pres could send troops overseas to an area where hostilities were imminent only if: notified Congress within 48 hrs, withdrew troops within 60-90 days, consulted with Congress if troops were engaged in combat
Freedom of Information Act, 1974
Allows public access to nonclassified fed documents
Budget and Impoundment Control Act, 1974
Established congressional budget committees, CBO, extend budget process by 3 months
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Bill, 1985
Set gradual budget reduction targets to lead to a balanced budget. Across-the-board budget cuts to kick in if targets not met. Loopholes let to abandonment in late 80s.
Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990
Bans job discrimination against disabled if “reasonable accommodation” can be made. Requires access to facilities for handicapped.
National Voter Registration Bill (“Motor Voter Act”, 1993
Requires states to allow people to register to vote when applying for driver’s licenses applications or completing license renewal forms
Religious Freedom Restoration Act. 1993
Restored compelling purpose guideline for courts to use when states restrict religious liberty. Struck down by Supreme Court in Boerne v. Flores.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
Requires CBO to analyze impact of unfunded mandates on states. Requires separate congressional vote on bills that impose unfunded mandates