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Difficulty: EasyThe Great Society and the War on Poverty

Source: Congress of the United States, Preamble to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964

"Although the economic well-being and prosperity of the United States have progressed to a level surpassing any achieved in world history... poverty continues to be the lot of a substantial number of our people. The United States can achieve its full economic and social potential as a nation only if every individual has the opportunity to contribute to the full extent of his capabilities and to participate in the workings of our society. It is, therefore, the policy of the United States to eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty in this Nation by opening to everyone the opportunity for education and training, the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity."

The goals expressed in the excerpt most directly led to the creation of which of the following?

  1. Federal programs focused on education, job training, and community development, such as Head Start and the Job CorpsAnswer
  2. B
    Federal work-relief programs and financial regulations, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
  3. C
    Supply-side economic policies designed to stimulate investment through tax cuts and deregulation
  4. D
    A return to laissez-faire economic practices that limited federal oversight of the national economy

Answer

Federal programs focused on education, job training, and community development, such as Head Start and the Job Corps
The preamble to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 outlines the core philosophy of Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty, which emphasized expanding educational and vocational opportunities to help individuals escape poverty. This led directly to the creation of social programs like Head Start and the Job Corps.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the historical source and identify its context.
The source is the Preamble to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which is a foundational piece of legislation for Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society and War on Poverty.
Understanding the source context helps locate the correct historical period and presidential administration.
2
Identify the primary policy goals stated in the text.
The text calls for eliminating poverty in the midst of plenty by 'opening to everyone the opportunity for education and training, the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity.'
Analyzing the specific wording clarifies that the legislation focuses on opportunity, training, and education rather than direct financial relief or business deregulation.
3
Select the option that matches these policy goals and historical period.
Federal programs focused on education, job training, and community development, such as Head Start and the Job Corps, directly match the goals and timeline of the 1964 act.
This matches the historical outcome of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, confirming the correct answer.

Key Concept

The Great Society and the War on Poverty
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The Great Society and the War on Poverty

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