Carter, Jimmy (1924–)

• Author: Louis Fisher
• Pages: 320

Page 320

As the first President elected after the WATERGATE scandal, Jimmy Carter was strongly oriented toward moral duties, Christian ethics, faith, trust, and personal rectitude. The "nobility of ideas" theme evoked in his inaugural address ranged broadly from human rights to the elimination of nuclear weapons. Missing from this pantheon of principles, however, was an understanding of the constitutional system and the mechanics of government needed to translate abstract visions into concrete accomplishments.

Carter considered himself an activist President and wanted to use the power of his office to correct social, economic, and political inequities. Some of his contributions to the legal system were long-lasting, such as the large number of women and persons from minority groups he placed on the federal courts. But comprehensive reforms for welfare, taxation, health...