The Great Society included initiatives aimed at which societal issues?

The Great Society was a series of domestic programs launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s, aimed at addressing various societal issues, particularly those related to poverty, education, healthcare, and civil rights. The correct answer highlights these core components.

Healthcare initiatives, such as the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid, were pivotal in expanding access to medical services for the elderly and low-income families. Education programs included efforts to improve public education and provide federal funding for schools, particularly in impoverished areas, symbolizing a commitment to educational opportunities for all. Moreover, the Great Society also made significant strides in civil rights, seeking to eliminate racial discrimination and promote equality through laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the goals of the Great Society. Military defense and global dominance, while relevant to the broader context of the Cold War, were not specific aims of the Great Society itself. Similarly, a focus on balancing the federal budget and American expansionism overseas are not central elements of Johnson's domestic agenda during this period, which primarily concentrated on uplifting the American populace through social reform.