Below you will find pages that utilize the taxonomy term “States”
Acts
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Social Security Act
Social Security Act (1935)
1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.)
2) Why It Was Done
Enacted during the Great Depression to provide a federal safety net for the elderly, unemployed, and disadvantaged. It created programs for old-age pensions, unemployment insurance, and welfare benefits.
3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before 1935, social welfare programs were largely state or local. The Act marked a major expansion of federal responsibility for economic security.
Acts
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National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 1969)
1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.)
2) Why It Was Done
NEPA was enacted to ensure that federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of their actions and decisions. It established a national environmental policy and created mechanisms for accountability.
3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before NEPA, environmental protections were scattered across various statutes without a unified review process. NEPA created the requirement for Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs).
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Clean Air Act (CAA)
Clean Air Act (CAA) (1970)
1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.)
2) Why It Was Done
The CAA established a comprehensive federal program to regulate air emissions from stationary and mobile sources, protect public health, and improve air quality.
3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Built on earlier air quality statutes (1955, 1963, 1967). The 1970 Act created the modern framework for federal and state cooperation, including the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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Clean Water Act (CWA)
Clean Water Act (CWA) (1972)
1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.)
2) Why It Was Done
Congress enacted the CWA to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters, after decades of severe pollution in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The CWA reorganized and greatly expanded the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948, which had been ineffective. The 1972 amendments created enforceable standards and permit systems.
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Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Endangered Species Act (ESA, 1973)
1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.)
2) Why It Was Done
The ESA was passed to protect species at risk of extinction and conserve the ecosystems upon which they depend. It was a response to growing concerns about biodiversity loss in the 20th century.
3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Earlier laws like the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966 and the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969 provided limited protections. The 1973 Act consolidated and strengthened federal authority.
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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (1990, amended 2004)
1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.)
2) Why It Was Done
Congress enacted IDEA to ensure children with disabilities have the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their needs, with access to special education and related services.
3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
IDEA replaced the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. Court rulings like PARC v. Pennsylvania (1971) and Mills v. Board of Education (1972) had already established constitutional rights to equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities.
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Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (2010)
1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 18001 et seq.)
2) Why It Was Done
The ACA was enacted to expand access to affordable health insurance, improve quality of care, and reduce healthcare costs. It created health insurance marketplaces, expanded Medicaid, and prohibited insurers from denying coverage for preexisting conditions.
3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Built upon the Social Security Act (Medicare and Medicaid provisions) and existing insurance regulations, but established the first nationwide mandate for health coverage and sweeping insurance reforms.
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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (2015)
1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (20 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.)
2) Why It Was Done
ESSA replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB, 2001) to reduce federal micromanagement of schools while maintaining accountability. It aimed to give states more flexibility in setting standards and measuring student success.
3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) established federal aid to schools. NCLB (2001) added strict federal testing/accountability requirements. ESSA rebalanced federal and state roles.