The Impact of Policy: Research Cards

Voting Rights Act of 1965

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the most important national voting policies in U.S. history. It was created during a major struggle over political participation, federal power, and equal access to democracy. Research this policy to investigate how a law about voting could reach far beyond the ballot box.

The National Voter Registration Act, often called the “Motor Voter” law, changed how many people could register to vote. It connects voting access to everyday interactions with government services. Research this policy to investigate how the process of registration can shape participation in democracy.

The Help America Vote Act was passed after a presidential election raised national questions about voting systems and election administration. It connects voting to technology, access, accuracy, and public trust. Research this policy to investigate how the way elections are run can affect people’s confidence in democracy.

The GI Bill was designed to help veterans return to civilian life after World War II. It is often connected to education, housing, work, and the growth of the American middle class. Research this policy to investigate how a benefit program for veterans could shape American life long after the war ended.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act expanded the federal government’s role in public education. It connected national policy to questions about poverty, opportunity, and school support. Research this policy to investigate how education policy can shape the opportunities available to young people.

Title IX is a national education policy connected to sex discrimination in schools and colleges. Many people associate it with athletics, but the policy reaches into broader questions about access, opportunity, and responsibility in education. Research this policy to investigate why one sentence in federal law became so important in school life.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is connected to the rights of students with disabilities in public schools. It changed expectations about what public education should provide and who should be included. Research this policy to investigate how education policy can shape access, opportunity, and belonging.

The Fair Housing Act is a national policy connected to discrimination in housing. It raised major questions about where people could live, what opportunities housing makes possible, and how government should respond to unequal access. Research this policy to investigate how housing policy can shape communities and everyday life.

The Housing and Urban Development Act expanded the national government’s role in housing and urban life. It connects federal policy to cities, neighborhoods, affordability, and community development. Research this policy to investigate how decisions about housing can shape the places where people live.

The Community Reinvestment Act is connected to banking, lending, and investment in local communities. It grew out of concerns about whether people in different neighborhoods had fair access to credit and financial opportunity. Research this policy to investigate how rules about lending can shape housing, business, and community life.

The Fair Labor Standards Act created national rules connected to wages, hours, and child labor. It raised questions about what the government should require in the workplace and how work should fit into family and economic life. Research this policy to investigate how labor policy can shape the way people work.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is connected to discrimination in employment. It brought national civil rights policy into workplaces and hiring decisions. Research this policy to investigate how a law about equal opportunity could affect work, careers, and workplace culture.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act created a stronger national role in workplace safety. It connected government policy to the conditions people face while doing their jobs. Research this policy to investigate how rules about safety can change the relationship between workers, employers, and the government.

The Family and Medical Leave Act is connected to work, health, and caregiving. It raised questions about what should happen when workers need time away from their jobs for serious family or medical reasons. Research this policy to investigate how workplace policy can shape family life and economic security.

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 changed the rules for who could immigrate to the United States. It came at a time when the country was reconsidering older policies about race, nationality, family, and opportunity. Research this policy to investigate how immigration law can shape American culture and identity.

The Refugee Act of 1980 created a national system for refugee admissions and resettlement. It connects U.S. policy to humanitarian responsibility, global conflict, and local communities. Research this policy to investigate how refugee policy can shape both national identity and everyday community life.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 addressed immigration status, work, and enforcement. It tried to respond to a complicated national issue through more than one kind of policy action. Research this policy to investigate how immigration policy can affect people’s lives in different and sometimes unexpected ways.

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a national civil rights policy connected to disability, access, and participation in public life. It changed expectations about what public spaces, workplaces, transportation, and services should make possible. Research this policy to investigate how a policy about access can reshape everyday life.

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

The No Child Left Behind Act expanded the federal government’s role in public school accountability. It connected education policy to testing, school performance, funding, student achievement, and debates over equal opportunity. Research this policy to investigate how a national policy about school accountability could shape classrooms, communities, and ideas about educational success.