AP Government — Historic Laws

Northwest Ordinance 1787

Established the precedent for the federal government to expand with the admission of new states.

Pendleton Act 1883

Mandates that federal government positions should be awarded on merit instead of political patronage.

Interstate Commerce Act 1887

The first industry subject to federal regulation, initially applied to the railroad industry.

Sherman Anti-Trust Act 1890

Prohibits anticompetitive agreements and conduct attempting to monopolize a market.

Pure Food and Drug Act/Meat Inspection Act 1904

A series of laws enacted to regulate foods and drugs for consumer protection.

Federal Reserve Act 1913

Created the central banking system of the United States.

Wagner Act/National Labor Relations Act 1935

Guarantees the right to organize trade unions and engage in collective action.

Social Security Act 1935

Established a social welfare program providing old-age pensions.

Hatch Act 1939

Limits political activities of civil service employees.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution 1964

Authorized military force in Southeast Asia without a formal declaration of war.

Civil Rights Act 1964

Bans discrimination in public places based on race, color, national origin, or religion.

Voting Rights Act 1965

Suspended literacy tests and empowered federal officials to register voters.

Civil Rights Act 1968

Prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, religion, or national origin.

Title IX of Education Act of 1972

Prohibits gender discrimination in federally supported education programs.

War Powers Act 1973

Allows the President to send troops overseas with limitations on notification and withdrawal for Congress.

Americans with Disabilities Act 1990

Bans job discrimination against disabled individuals if reasonable accommodation can be made.

National Voter Registration Bill ('Motor Voter Act') 1993

Requires states to offer voter registration when issuing or renewing driver’s licenses.

Patriot Act 2001

Strengthens federal power for surveillance and detainment to combat terrorism.