Regents Prep: U.S. History: Government:
Monumental Legislation
Introduction
Many of the most significant changes in American history have been brought about or resulted in legislative changes. The power of the law to positively effect the lives of the American people, safeguard civil liberties or maintain the American system is a fundamental notion in the Constitution.

While there are literally thousands of laws passed in American history, there are a few major pieces that stand out as noteworthy for the changes set in motion or the Constitutional principles exemplified. They are examples that commonly appear on the regents examination.

Legislation Change or Provision Constitutional Principle

Northwest Ordinance
(1787)

 Provided for the settlement of the Northwest Territory of the new nation and established guidelines such as protection of civil liberties in the territory, statehood eligibility and schools. ***NOTE: This one of the few acts of legislation passed under the Articles of Confederation that was considered a success.

The Bill of Rights
(1791)

 Served as the founding list of rights and liberties to be guarded by the new American government. Many of the rights we expect our government to defend were added to the Constitution later as the first 10 amendments. The Bill of Rights itself established many of the Constitutional principles of rights of the accused and freedoms of the individual that are fundamental to our system.

Charter of The Bank of the United States
(1791)

 Alexander Hamilton who was serving as Washington's Secretary of the Treasury, advocated for a National Bank in order to aid in the running of the US economy. Many disagreed over the constitutionality of the National Bank. In the end the creation of the bank was justified by the necessary and proper clause of the Constitution.

Missouri Compromise
(1820)

 Established a line dividing the fee and slave territories of the growing United States. The Constitution made no clear provision for the expansion of the nation. As the nation grew so did the argument over slavery. The compromise served as a short term "fix" to the larger issues that would explode into the Civil War.
Sherman Antitrust Act
(1890)		 Outlawed "combinations in restraint of trade" as a way of regulating the growth of monopolies in all areas of the US economy in the late 19th century. Congress was granted many powers pertaining to economic control and regulation. The regulation of monopolies was seen as necessary and proper extension of these powers
Meat Inspection Act
(1906)
&
Pure Food and Drug Act
(1906)		 Serving as an example of increased reform and regulation of the Progressive era, these acts require government inspection of meat processing facilities and require that ingredients in foods and drugs be clearly labeled.  Congress was granted under the Constitution the power to regulate trade. As modern facilities increased the trade in manufactured foods and drugs, Congress took a role in regulating ingredients and processing in order to safeguard public health.

The New Deal
(1933-1938)

 The New Deal laws such as the Social Security Act would fundamentally change the relationship between the federal government and the people. Other actions such as the creation of the Securities and Exchange Commission would forever change the relationship between the federal government and business. The Constitution provides that the government is to provide for the welfare of the people. The New Deal laws attempted to provide for the general welfare by combating the suffering of the Great Depression with work relief, economic recovery and fundamental reform.

Civil Rights Act
(1964)

 A culmination of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950's and early 60's, the 1964 Civil Rights Act ended segregation in public places once and for all. It also established commissions and councils to increase black opportunities and equality. The 14th amendment's equal protection under the law provision was never fully realized in the South, as Jim Crow (segregation) laws persisted. It was the 1964 act that once and for all finalized the process begun by Brown v. Board of Education (1954).
War Powers Act
(1973)		 Requires that the president notify Congress within 48 hours of ordering military action, also requires that armed forces withdraw after 60 days if no extension or declaration war is issued by Congress. While the president is commander-in-chief of the armed forces, it is Congress that declares war. Following the Vietnam was in which unlimited military power was given the president by the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964), Congress passed the War Powers Act as a way to reign in presidential military powers.

Americans with Disabilities Act
(1990)

 Safeguards civil liberties on behalf of those persons with a disability in American society. Also establishes that "reasonable accommodations" be made in order to provide access and opportunity to persons with disabilities. Over time we have seen the expansion of Constitutional protections by legislation. Minority status groups (such as women, blacks, persons with  disabilities, Native Americans, etc...) have seen the greatest gains in legal protections.