This paper deals with continuities and changes over the period 1963 to 1976 in the organization and goals of the federally supported vocational education program. Summarized first are major pieces of vocational education passed in the years from 1917 to 1963, including the Vocational Education Act of 1917, the Vocational Education Act of 1946, the Health Amendments of 1956, the Fishery Amendment of 1956, and the National Defense Education Act of 1958. Next, an intensive analysis is made of the provisions and circumstances of passage of the following pieces of legislation originating during the period from 1963 to 1976: the Vocational Education Act of 1963, the Vocational Education Amendments of 1968, the Education Amendments of 1972, 1974, and 1976. In each of these analyses special attention is paid to social, economic, and political factors surrounding passage of the given piece of legislation as well as to special interest groups that were particularly active in securing passage of the legislation. In a discussion of claims concerning the benefits and appropriate organization of vocational education the following issues are examined: social problems requiring vocational education; social, individual, and group benefits from vocational education; and desirable content and administration of vocational programs. (MN)