Jimmy Carter

Definition

Jimmy Carter is the 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981, known for his focus on human rights, energy conservation, and a shift towards deregulation in various industries. His administration aimed to promote economic efficiency by reducing government control over certain sectors, which aligns with the broader deregulation movement of the late 20th century that sought to minimize federal intervention in the economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carter's administration saw significant deregulation in the airline industry with the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, which allowed market forces to determine airline routes and prices.
2. He appointed a number of key individuals who championed deregulation, including economist Alfred Kahn, who played a pivotal role in reforming the airline industry.
3. Carter's approach to deregulation also included the trucking and rail industries, promoting competition and innovation.
4. His presidency was marked by challenges such as high inflation and unemployment, which complicated the goals of his deregulation efforts.
5. While Carter’s deregulation initiatives aimed to boost the economy, they also faced criticism for leading to negative consequences like reduced service quality and job losses in some sectors.

Review Questions

• How did Jimmy Carter’s presidency reflect the goals of the deregulation movement in the United States?
  • Jimmy Carter’s presidency was significant in advancing the deregulation movement through policies that aimed to reduce government intervention in key industries. Notably, he implemented changes in the airline industry with the Airline Deregulation Act, allowing market forces to dictate routes and fares. By promoting deregulation across various sectors such as trucking and railroads, Carter sought to enhance competition and efficiency in the economy.
• Evaluate the impact of Carter's deregulation policies on specific industries during his administration.
  • Carter's deregulation policies had profound impacts on industries such as airlines and trucking. The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 resulted in increased competition among airlines, leading to lower fares and more flight options for consumers. However, it also led to financial instability for some carriers and job losses. Similarly, deregulating the trucking industry allowed for more competitive pricing but raised concerns about safety and service standards, illustrating both positive and negative effects of his policies.
• Critically assess how Jimmy Carter's focus on human rights influenced his approach to economic policies like deregulation during his presidency.
  • Jimmy Carter's emphasis on human rights shaped his broader worldview and influenced his economic policies, including deregulation. He believed that reducing government control could empower individuals and promote economic freedom as a fundamental right. However, this approach sometimes conflicted with domestic concerns about job security and social welfare. While pursuing deregulation, he balanced these ideals with his commitment to ensuring that economic growth did not come at the expense of social justice, making his presidency a complex interplay between idealism and practical governance.

Related terms

Deregulation: The process of reducing or eliminating government rules controlling how businesses can operate, often intended to foster competition and lower prices.

Energy Crisis: A period during the 1970s when oil prices soared due to OPEC's oil embargo, leading to fuel shortages and spurring government efforts to promote energy conservation.

Human Rights: The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, which Carter prioritized in his foreign policy during his presidency.