Laws

• Civil Service Act (1883)


  Also known as the Pendleton Act, it established the United States Civil Service Commission, which placed most federal government employees on a merit system and marked the end of the spoils system
• Hatch Act


  Enacted in 1939, the Hatch Act limits certain political activities of federal employees, as well as some state and local government employees who work in connection with federally funded programs
• Social Security Act (1935)


  This landmark legislation established the Social Security system in the United States, which provides retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits to eligible workers and their families
• War Powers Resolution (1973)


  Passed over a presidential veto, this act requires the President to consult with Congress before deploying military forces into hostilities and mandates the withdrawal of forces within 60 to 90 days unless Congress declares war or authorizes an extension
• Civil Rights Act (1964)


  A landmark civil rights and labor law in the United States that outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace, and by facilities that served the general public
• Voting Rights Act (1965)


  This law aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed under the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
• Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972


  Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance
• Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act (1974)


  This act established the congressional budget process by creating standing budget committees in both the House and the Senate and establishing the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). It also limited the President's ability to impound funds appropriated by Congress
• Endangered Species Act


  Enacted in 1973, this law aims to protect and recover imperiled species and their ecosystems. It is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Clean Water Act (1972)


  This law regulates the discharge of pollutants into the nation's surface waters, including lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and coastal areas. It aims to maintain and restore the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters
• Clean Air Act (1970)


  This law regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources and sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards to protect public health and welfare
• Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)


  This civil rights law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public
• Welfare Reform Act (TANF) (1996)


  The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) is a welfare reform law that introduced the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which provides temporary financial assistance to low-income families while promoting job preparation and work
• USA Patriot Act (2001)


  The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (USA PATRIOT Act) is a U.S. law enacted in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It expanded the authority of U.S. law enforcement agencies for the purpose of fighting terrorism
• Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010)


  Commonly known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare, this law aimed to increase the quality and affordability of health insurance, lower the uninsured rate by expanding public and private insurance coverage, and reduce the costs of healthcare for individuals and the government
• USA Freedom Act (2015)


  This law modified and reauthorized several provisions of the Patriot Act, including the bulk collection of phone records by the National Security Agency (NSA), and introduced reforms to increase transparency and oversight of intelligence gathering programs