1. The New Frontier

2. New Frontier
1960 election was closely contested between Richard Nixon and John Kennedy
Main issues: the economy and the Cold War. The candidates were very similar on these issues.

3. New Frontier
Other factors played an important role in the election: style, background, personal manner.
Candidates spent heavily on television advertising, and engaged in a series of televised debates.
Kennedy appeared relaxed, outgoing, and tan, while Nixon appeared stiff and pale

4. The Kennedy Mystique
Kennedy was youthful and optimistic, and his family became the subject of constant media coverage.
His charisma came through on television, and he was the first to broadcast press conferences live on television.

5. Success and Setback on the Domestic Front
Not all were taken with Kennedy, and because his victory was so close, it was sometimes difficult for him to pass his legislative package, called the New Frontier.
Congress defeated his proposals for health insurance for the elderly and federal aid to education.
6th Hour left off here 3/14/06
3rd Hour left off here 3/15/06

6. Kennedy did have some success getting his economic program passed.
Deficit spending to create jobs: Congress agreed to spend more on defense and space exploration.
Congress defeated his tax cut proposal, however.
Kennedy efforts to channel funds to poorer areas: Area Redevelopment Act, Housing Act

7. Appointed women to prominent positions in the administration
On women’s rights, JFK:
Appointed women to prominent positions in the administration
Created the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women
Issued an order to end gender discrimination in federal employment
Signed the Equal Pay Act
4th Hour left off here 3/14/06

8. Warren Court Reforms
Earl Warren: Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, nominated by Eisenhower. Led an activist court.
Voting rights:
Baker v. Carr: Federal courts can intervene to protect voting rights.
Reynolds v. Sims: State legislative districts must be equal in population.
7th Hour left off here 3/22/06

9. Extending due process:
Mapp v. Ohio: Evidence seized in violation of federal constitution can’t be used at state trials.
Gideon v. Wainwright: Criminal defendant has right to an attorney regardless of ability to pay.
Miranda v. Arizona: Police must advise suspects of rights.

10. Prayer and Privacy
Engel v. Vitale: States cannot compose and require official prayers to be recited in school. Later, Court barred daily Bible readings in public schools.
Griswold v. Connecticut: State ban on sale of birth control devices was unconstitutional.
4th Hour left off here 3/23/06