Abstract

This thesis explores the relationship between President Jimmy Carter and Congress. In viewing this relationship, I will break down how President Carter excelled in working with Congress to pass a comprehensive energy plan. In arguing this, I examine how Carter was a leading proponent of energy legislation during his term. I show this by examining primary sources from the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and secondary sources from authors whom have previously written about Carter. I use these sources to reveal how internal dialogue between members of Congress and the Carter White House was a successful one in passing the President’s initiatives. In the first chapter I focus on the environment in the 1970s by looking at energy policy prior to Carter and the change that took place in Congress post-Watergate. In the second chapter I examine how Carter initiated a national dialogue on energy policy and streamlined his initiative through Congress. My last chapter argues with views held by historians in the past that claim Carter was a “malaise” President who never led or had a good relationship with Congress. This thesis will change the views people have towards President Carter in his ability to work with Congress and passing meaningful energy legislation.

Advisor

Sene, Ibra

Department

History

Disciplines

Political History | United States History

Keywords

Jimmy Carter, energy policy, Congress

Publication Date

2014

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2014 Jeremy E. Burke