Question

what did president lyndon johnson do to combat poverty in america in the 1960s?

lower state taxes
increase federal spending
raise the minimum wage

Explanation:

Identify the core historical context

The question asks about President Lyndon B. Johnson's actions to combat poverty in America during the 1960s. This directly relates to his domestic agenda known as the Great Society.

Analyze the policy mechanisms

To fund the programs of the War on Poverty (such as Head Start, Medicare, Medicaid, and job training programs), the federal government had to significantly expand its budget. This was accomplished by increasing federal funding and resources allocated to social welfare programs.

Evaluate the given options

• "lower state taxes": President Johnson did not have direct control over state-level taxation, and lowering taxes was not the primary mechanism used to fund federal anti-poverty programs.
• "increase federal spending": This is correct. The War on Poverty and Great Society initiatives required massive increases in federal spending to launch and sustain new national programs.
• "raise the minimum wage": While the minimum wage was raised during his administration, the primary, comprehensive strategy to combat systemic poverty nationwide was the massive expansion of federal social programs funded by increased federal spending.

Answer:

• lower state taxes
• increase federal spending (Correct answer)
• raise the minimum wage