The Federal Executive and Civil Rights: 1961-1965

• Published in: Daedalus (Cambridge, Mass.) Vol. 94; no. 4; pp. 921 - 948
• Main Author: Fleming, Harold C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston American Academy of Arts and Sciences 01-10-1965
• Subjects: African Americans; Attorneys general; Civil rights; Civil rights movements; Employment; Executive branch; Executive orders; Executive/Executives; Federal/Federalism; Government; Housing; Voting rights
• ISSN: 0011-5266; 1548-6192

3 categories of action are treated: 'admin'ive action & executive orders, law enforcement & presidential leadership, & legislative proposals.' While admin'ive machinery was set up, the `weighing of priorities' unfortunately restricted the scope of executive orders. Recommendations that federal aid carry the obligation of equal treatment were steadfastly rejected by the admin. In the area of law enforcement the Kennedy-Johnson administration compiled an impressive record. The delicate balance of his power had made Kennedy reluctant to appeal for legislative reforms, but this moratorium barely lasted through the first yr of his presidency. In his Feb 1963 message to Congress, requesting a comprehensive albeit moderate civil-rights bill, he unmistakably committed his personal prestige. By Nov 1963 his leadership in civil rights was bold & unreserved. When Johnson assumed the presidency he continued the drive, successfully pressing for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 & acting quickly & resolutely when violence erupted in Alabama in 1965. M. Duke.