Presidents Ford & Carter

Economic Despair

Ford Becomes President

Appointed VP when Spiro Agnew resigned Believed in hard-work and self-reliance Described as conservative in fiscal affairs,

moderate in domestic affairs, and an internationalist in foreign affairs.

Became the first non-elected President

Economic Problems

Inflation was high and unemployment was rising.

Economists call the condition stagflation. Created the “WIN” or “Whip Inflation Now”

program– Based on voluntary actions

Supported an increase in unemployment benefits – only helped slightly.

Foreign Policy

War Powers Act, 1973– President must notify Congress with 48 hours of sending

troops overseas.– Troops may not stay more than 60 days without

Congressional Approval– Congress can demand that troops return home

Helsinki Accords– European security agreements– Pledged economic cooperation, respect for borders and

promote human rights

Carter Presidency

Supported spending cuts Broke away from traditional Democrats and

lost some support from his party Considered a “Washington Outsider”

Foreign Policy

Middle East Peace– Camp David Accords: framework for peace

between Israel and Egypt– Did not solve all Mid-East problems

Breakdown of Détente– 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan cools warm

relations with the Soviets– US halted shipments of grain to Soviet Union– Boycotted 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow

Domestic Issues

Economic Instability– Cut government spending– Increased unemployment– Interest rates soared

Affirmative Action: gave special consideration to minorities to makeup for past discrimination– University of CA vs. Bakke: Court case that

upheld the use of affirmative action in college admissions.