American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was the title of the first federal-aid highway act?

1. Federal Highway Act

2. Highway Revenue Act

3. National Highway Act

4. Federal-Aid Road Act

The correct answer is: Federal-Aid Road Act

The first federal-aid highway act was titled the Federal-Aid Road Act. This act, passed in 1916, marked a significant step in the evolution of the United States' highway system by providing federal funds to assist states with road construction. Under this legislation, the federal government allocated funds for highway improvements, establishing partnerships with state governments to address the increasing demands of vehicular traffic and improve rural roads. By enabling federal investment in infrastructure, the Federal-Aid Road Act laid the groundwork for future highway legislation and emphasized the importance of roadways in fostering economic growth and mobility across the nation. This initiative was crucial during a time when the automobile was becoming more popular, and it addressed the need for a more organized and efficient road network. Other answers refer to subsequent acts or different types of legislation related to transportation infrastructure. The Highway Revenue Act generally relates to funding mechanisms for transportation rather than the initial establishment of federal aid for road construction. The Federal Highway Act and National Highway Act are titles of statutes enacted later that expanded and built upon the foundations laid by the Federal-Aid Road Act.