Landmark Legislation Flashcards
(13 cards)
The Compromise of 1850:
The Compromise of 1850 was a series of legislative measures aimed at resolving the territorial and slavery issues arising from the Mexican-American War. It admitted California as a free state, created a more stringent Fugitive Slave Act, and allowed popular sovereignty in the territories of Utah and New Mexico. While it temporarily eased
tensions, it failed to address the underlying causes of the Civil War.
Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854:
The Kansas-Nebraska Act repealed the Missouri Compromise’s prohibition of slavery above the 36°30’ parallel and allowed popular sovereignty to determine slavery’s status in Kansas and Nebraska territories. This led to intense conflict, violent clashes, and the formation of two opposing governments in Kansas (Bleeding Kansas). further fueling sectional tensions between North and South.
Homestead Act of 1862:
The Homestead Act encouraged westward expansion by granting 160 acres of public land to settlers who agreed to develop and cultivate it for at least five years. This law facilitated the settlement of the western frontier and played a vital role in promoting agricultural development.
Pendleton Act of 1883:
The Pendleton Act established a merit-based civil service system, ending the spoils system of political appointments based on patronage. It mandated that government jobs be awarded based on applicants’ qualifications and performance on competitive exams, reducing corruption and increasing efficiency in government operations.
Various Civil Rights Acts between the 19th and 2 1st Centuries:
These Acts, including the Civil Rights Acts of 1866, Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991, aimed to protect and expand civil rights for marginalized groups, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. They sought to ensure equal opportunities and protections for all citizens.
Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798
The Alien and Sedition Acts were a series of laws that allowed the government to detain or deport non-citizens and criminalize criticism of the government. These controversial acts infringed upon freedom of speech, sparking significant opposition and contributing to the development of the First Amendment’s protections.
USA PATRIOT Act of 2001:
Passed after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the USA PATRIOT Act expanded the government’s surveillance powers to counter terrorism. Critics argued that it encroached upon individual privacy rights, leading to debates about balancing national security with civil liberties.
Various Great Society-Related Acts:
The Great Society initiatives of the 1960s under President Lyndon B.
Johnson aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. Acts like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 expanded social welfare programs, providing healthcare, education, and economic opportunities to vulnerable populations.
New Deal-Related Acts:
The New Deal programs of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration during the Great Depression sought to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and regulate financial institutions. Acts such as the Social Security Act and the National Labor Relations Act brought about significant expansions in social programs and workers’ rights.
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010:
Also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare, this act expanded access to healthcare by requiring individuals to have insurance coverage, expanding Medicaid, and implementing healthcare market reforms. It aimed to increase health insurance affordability and improve healthcare quality.
Clean Air Act of 1970:
The Clean Air Act sought to control air pollution regulating emissions of harmful pollutants from industrial sources, vehicles, and other sources. It established air quality standards and required states to develop plans to achieve and maintain those standards, leading to significant improvements in air quality over time.
Tonkin Gulf Resolution of 1964:
The Tonkin Gulf Resolution granted President Lyndon B. Johnson the authority to use military force in Vietnam after alleged attacks on U.S. ships in the Gulf of Tonkin. This resolution provided broad authorization for military action in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war, leading to a significant escalation of the conflict.
