Politics: The presidential term for Gerald Ford was ending in

1977. On January 20 of this year, his presidential term had officially ended and James Carter had one the elections, making him U.S. president until 1981. Jimmy Carter aspired to make Government "competent and compassionate," responsive to the American people and their expectations. His achievements were notable, but in an era of rising energy costs, mounting inflation, and continuing tensions, it was impossible for his administration to meet thesehigh expectations.

During his presidential term, Carter increased human and social services, he created the Department of Education, bolstered the Social Security system, and appointed record numbers of women, blacks, and Hispanics to Government jobs. On August 4, 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed into law The Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977.