Originally published in 1987, at a time when central government control of education in many countries was growing rapidly, this book on the historical determinants of US educational legislation was of great relevance. The book looks in detail at the history of the relationship between the US Government and the provision of educational services. It assesses the contributions made to educational legislation by key political figures such as Franklin, Washington and Jefferson. The author also examines in depth the role of congress and the president, the relationship between the federal government and the state legislature and the role of the judiciary in education. An account of the hard-fought battle for the right to equal educational opportunities for the American Negro and the American Indian is of considerable interest. Finally, the book compares the American educational system at the time with that of other countries.