USH 17:1 The New Frontier

• Election of 1960– T.V. used to “sell” candidates for first time– John F. Kennedy, Democrat– Richard. Nixon, Republican

Issues in the Election

• Both were “Cold Warriors”– Determined to stop communist aggression

• “Missile Gap”– Belief the U.S. was behind Soviets in weaponry

• Kennedy’s Catholicism – Worries Catholic Church would guide Kennedy

Kennedy Takes Office

• 35th president: John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)• “New Frontier”– Kennedy’s legislative agenda • Increase aid to education• Provide health insurance to elderly• Create Department of Urban Affairs

Successes and setbacks

• Democrats controlled both House and Senate– Many Democrats not loyal to Kennedy• No “coattails”• Southern Democrats thought “New Frontier” was too

expensive

– Expands economy • Government invests in defense and space programs

Successes and Setbacks

• Raised minimum wage• Housing project for low-income areas• Equal Pay Act of 1963– Women paid same as men for same work

• Created programs to help people with disabilities

Warren Court Reforms

• Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

• Rulings re-shape American politics and society

Warren Court-Civil Rights

• Brown v Board of Education (1954)– Segregation in public schools unconstitutional

• Heart of Atlanta Motel v U.S. (1964)– Segregation illegal in public accommodations

• Loving v Virginia (1967)– States cannot ban interracial marriages

Warren Court – Due Process

• Mapp v Ohio (1961)– Unlawfully seized evidence cannot be used at trial

• Gideon v Wainwright (1963)– Right to a court-appointed attorney

• Escobedo v Illinois (1964)– Right to an attorney during police questioning

• Miranda v Arizona (1966) – Informed of your rights if arrested

Warren Court – Freedom of Speech / Religion

• Engel v Vitale (1962)– Banned state-mandated prayer in public schools

• Albington School District v Schempp (1963)– Banned state-mandated bible readings in school

• N.Y. Times v Sullivan (1964)– Limited when celebrities could sue the media