The New Frontier and Great Society
Name: ________________________________________
Objective: The identify and analyze New Frontier and Great Society programs as logical successors to the New Deal
For homework, complete the following chart on domestic aspects of the New Frontier and Great Society.
You will use this completed chart in class tomorrow as a resource for answering the analysis questions in
small groups.
New Frontier:
Program
Manpower Development and
Training Act (1962)
Provisions
Impact
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
Space Program
Medical Retardation and Health
Centers Act (1963)
Note: Kennedy’s proposals not enacted before his assassination but enacted later include:
 Federal aid to elementary and secondary education
 Medicare
 Voting rights and equal treatment for African Americans in public accommodations
Great Society:
Program
Civil Rights Act (1964)
Economic Opportunities Act
(1964)
Voting Rights Act (1965)
Medicare Act (1965)
Elementary and Secondary
Education Act (1965)
Higher Education Act (1965)
Immigration Act (1965)
Appalachian Development Act
(1966)
Demonstration Cities Act (1966)
Civil Rights Act (1968)
Provisions
Impact
Questions:
In your small groups, discuss the following issues related to the New Frontier and Great Society. After
your discussion, write answers to the questions.
1. Is it reasonable to draw parallels between the programs of FDR, JFK, and LBJ? Why or why not?
2. State as succinctly as possible the political philosophy of each president:
a. FDR
b. JFK
c. LBJ
3. What new assumptions did Kennedy and Johnson make about the proper role of government?
4. What evidence existed that government needed to assume new responsibilities?
5. How are the programs of the three men similar?
6. How do the visions of Kennedy and Johnson differ from the vision of FDR?
7. What factors limited the possibilities for success for each man?
8. What evidence is there of coherence in the New Frontier and Great Society?
9. What strengths do you see in the programs of JFK and LBJ?
10. What has been the impact of the New Frontier and the Great Society?