The Great Society Chapter 28 Section 3

LBJ After Kennedy’s assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson becomes president

Who was Johnson? A long-time politician from Texas. Tutored by FDR. Former Majority Leader in Congress. Helped pass Civil Rights legislation.

Why Johnson? Southern protestant added balance to Kennedy’s ticket.

The “Johnson Treatment”

LBJ encourages Congress to keep up Kennedy’s work Tax-cut bill Sparked increase in jobs, consumer spending, and long period of economic expansion in the cities Civil Rights Act of 1964

War of Poverty Johnson declares war on poverty Economic Opportunity Act

Democrats give Johnson what he wants Office of Economic Opportunity Billion dollar budget Job Corps Community Action Program

1964 election LBJ defeats Barry Goldwater Goldwater attacked New Deal programs and was seen as a war monger

Election of 1964 LBJ – 61% of pop vote – more than FDR 1936 Democrats won both houses of Congress w/ a > 2/3 majority

The Great Society Education – Elementary and Secondary Education Act – money to schools

Health Care Medicare – old age Medicaid - welfare

Housing

Immigration Immigration Act of 1965 – ended quotas based on nationality, opens door for non-European immigrants.

Environment Water Quality Act Silent Spring – Rachel Carson

Unsafe at Any Speed – Ralph Nader Consumer Protection Automobile safety.

Warren Court Under Chief Justice Earl Warren, the Supreme Court became more of an activist court

Warren Court (continued) Reapportionment (the way states draw election districts) One person, one vote

Warren Court (continued) Gideon v. Wainwright – right to free legal counsel Escobedo v. Illinois – lawyer present during questioning Miranda v. Arizona – suspects must be read their rights

Warren Court and LBJ’s Great Society Both extended the power of the federal government War on poverty helped Had supporters and opponents