Important Congressional Legislation
Pendleton Act of 1883 – Provides that Federal Government jobs be awarded on the basis of merit and
that Government employees be selected through competitive exams. The act eliminated the aspects of
patronage thereby creating today’s Civil Service.
Espionage Act of 1917 – Crime to make false statements with intent of interfering with American Military
Forces or promote the success of its enemies. During WWI, the U.S. postmaster general interpreted the
provision broadly to prohibit anti-war newspapers from
being delivered through the mail. 1918 Amendments to Espionage Act of 1917 – Made it a crime to utter,
print, write or publish disloyal, profane, scurrilous or abusive language used to incite resistance. Also
made
it illegal to “willfully display the flag of a foreign enemy”. The Act was the first effort by the republic to
define acceptable limits of public criticism of government. Repealed in 1921.
Norris-La Guardia Act of 1932 – Declared that the members of labor unions should have “full freedom
of association” undisturbed by employers. The act also barred the federal courts from issuing injunctions
to prevent strikes, picketing, or boycotts unless the local police are either unwilling or unable to prevent
damage or violence. The act also provides a total antitrust exemption for labor unions, “so long as a
union acts in its self-interest and does not combine with non-labor groups.”
Hatch Act of 1934 – Restricts the political activity of executive branch employees of the federal
government, District of Columbia government and some state and local employees who work in
connection with federally funded programs. The act makes it illegal for federal civil service employees
while on duty to take an active part in political management or political campaigns, soliciting funds,
running for office, endorsing a candidate or being a delegate. For some federal employees, they cannot
participate EVER (regardless of on or off duty) in partisan politics. National Labor Relations Act of
1935 – Established a new national policy in favor of collective bargaining and union organizing. The
statute protected union organizing tactics and deprived employers of the economic weapons they had
utilized against unions, such as firing union organizers and adherents. Amended by the Taft-Hartley Act
of 1947.
Social Security Act of 1935 – Provides a minimal level of sustenance for retiring Americans. It has
expanded to include disabled, and widows and surviving children of recipients. It also established
national assistance programs for poor children, known as Aid to Families with Dependent Children
(AFDC).
Smith Act of 1940 – Also known as the Alien Registration Act made it an offense to advocate or belong
to a group that advocated the violent overthrow of the government. In 1957, the U.S. Supreme Court
restricted the application of the Smith Act to instances of active participation in, or verbal encouragement
of, specific insurrectionary activities.
Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 – Defines administrative policy and directs agencies to publicize
their procedures.
Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1946 – Requires registration of and quarterly financial reports
from all individuals and agents seeking to influence legislation. Taft Hartley Act of 1947 – Regulated the
economic activities of unions for the first time and prohibited the use of secondary boycotts and lengthy
organizational picketing. In essence, the act is considered an anti-union ruling that prevents labor strikes
that will affect the nation’s welfare. The President can invoke a sixty-day cooling off period for
negotiations.
Internal Security Act of 1950 – Required members of the Communist party to register with the attorney
general and make public its membership. The Act also barred members from holding federally appointed
office. Repealed registration requirements in 1968.
Civil Rights Act of 1964 – The act outlawed segregation in businesses such as theaters, restaurants,
and hotels. It banned discriminatory practices in employment and ended segregation in public place such
as swimming pools, libraries, and public schools. Governments could bring lawsuits to desegregate and
federal funds would be cut off for discriminatory acts. 1965 Amendment of the Social Security Act of
1935 – Also known as the Medicare Act resulted in a basic program of hospital insurance for persons
aged 65 and older, and a supplementary medical insurance program to aid the elderly in paying doctor
bills and other health care bills.
Important Congressional Legislation
Medicaid Act of 1965 – A legislative “afterthought” to Medicare that has grown into a central part of the
American health care system. The Act is a federal medical program for children under 18 and Americans
living in poverty.
Voting Rights Act of 1965 – The act outlawed the discriminatory voting practices including literacy tests
as a prerequisite to voting.
Civil Rights Act of 1968 – Also known as the Open Housing Act, it banned discrimination in buying and
renting housing.
Voting Rights Act of 1970 – The act extended the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for five additional years
and lowered the voting age throughout the country to 18.
McGovern-Fraser Commission of 1971 – Opened the process for selecting delegates to public
participation and voting, thereby including more women, youth and minority delegates.
War Powers Act of 1973 – The act restrained the president’s ability to commit U.S. forces overseas for
more than 60 days by requiring the executive branch to consult with and report to Congress before
involving U.S. forces in foreign hostilities unless Congress passes a declaration of war or issues a
resolution that extends the deadline.
Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 – Curbs “impoundment power” (the
power to not spend funds appropriated) of the president. Chief executive “must” spend what is allocated
or Congress withdraws the funding.
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 – Created Federal Election Commission, provided public
financing for presidential primaries and general elections, and required disclosure regarding the amount
and sources of contributions.
Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 – Replaced the Civil Service Commission with the Office of Personnel
Management and the Merit Systems Protection Board. These agencies are responsible for enforcing
existing civil service laws, coordinating the testing of applicants, setting up pay scales, and appointing
people to federal jobs. In addition the Senior Executive Service was created to attract high-level federal
employees.
American Disabilities Act of 1990 – Required employers and public facilities to prohibit discrimination
and to make reasonable accommodations for the disabled.
Motor Voter Act of 1993 – Requires states to permit people to register at the same time they apply or
renew their driver’s license.
Gramm-Rudman Act of 1993 – Revised the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of
1985 whereby it changed its focus from deficit reduction to spending control.
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 – Also known as the
Welfare to Work Act which required a welfare recipient to find work within two years or lose benefits; a
lifetime maximum of five years on welfare. Replaced AFDC with Temporary Assistance for Need
Families (TANF).
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 – The two goals are accountability and the closing of the
achievement gap between students of different socioeconomic backgrounds. The act sets federal
standards for educational achievement and financially reprimands school districts that do not meet these
standards. Federal monies are provided for schools that agree to achieve set
standards.
Patriot Act of 2002 – Provides federal government the means to secure and protect the citizenry by
restricting due process provisions.
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 – Also known as the Simpson-Mazzoli Act made it a
punishable crime to knowingly hire an illegal immigrant
Additional Resources
http://www.ourdocuments.gov/
http://www.enotes.com/major-acts-congress/