The social programs of the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations which were designed to extend basic rights to all citizens and to develop new social rights for those in need are examined in this book of papers presented at a conference. The initiation and development of the various programs are described and analyzed by scholars and policy makers. The results of the programs are evaluated and the future course necessary for fully carrying out their objectives is delineated. The book is divided into six sections focusing upon the move toward new human rights, the right to a decent standard of living, the right to health and medical care, the right to decent housing in a decent community, the right to equal educational opportunity, and the right to equality under the law. In each section different aspects of the topics are discussed by the individual authors and their arguments and conclusions are summarized. Brief profiles of the book's contributors and a list of conference participants are also included. (Author/GC)