The Carter Administration

The Carter Administration Chapter 32 Section 5 Carter’s Presidency • 1976 Election – Ford receives strong opposition within his own party • Democrats choose little known candidate from GA – James E. Carter • Carter win by narrow margin • Not much experience in politics prior to being elected • Tried to make presidency more casual – received criticism • Nominated more minorities and women to official posts than any other President prior • The Washington “outsider” was elected based upon that characteristic but hurt him as President Carter’s Domestic Policies • Carter inherited bad economy – cut spending on social programs angering Democrats – economy only worsened throughout his term • In favor of deregulation • Champion of energy conservation • Granted amnesty to those who were draft dodgers during the Vietnam War • Was successful with Civil Rights as a governor but lacked support from African American during his term • Regents of the University of California v. Bakke Carter’s Foreign Policy • Camp David Accords – peace between Egypt and Israel • US/Soviet relations begin to strain due to Carter’s stance on human rights and Soviet invasion of Afganistan • SALT II dies out • Boycott of 1980 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow • Civil War within Iran • Radical Iranians seize American Embassy and hold 52 American hostages • Americans grew impatient for hostage release • Botched attempt at rescue 1980 Election • Carter’s popularity at just 21 percent in 1980 • Received strong opposition in Dem. Primary from Ted Kennedy • Republican Ronald Reagan wins by a landslide • Hostages return home the day Carter leaves office