The civil rights movement was well underway when Carter took office. He and his family had become staunch supporters of John F. Kennedy. Carter remained relatively quiet on the issue at first, even as it polarized much of the county, to avoid alienating his segregationist colleagues. Carter did speak up on a few divisive issues, giving speeches against literacy tests and against an amendment to the Georgia Constitution that he felt implied a compulsion to practice religion. Carter entered the state Democratic Executive Committee two years into office, where he helped rewrite the state party's rules. He became the chairman of the West Central Georgia Planning and Development Commission, which oversaw the disbursement of federal and state grants for projects such as historic site restoration.
The civil rights movement was well underway when Carter took office He and his family had become staunch supporters of John F Kennedy Carter remained relatively quiet on the issue at first even as it polarized much of the county to avoid alienating his segregationist colleagues Carter did speak up on a few divisive issues giving speeches against literacy tests and against an amendment to the Georgia Constitution that he felt implied a compulsion to practice religion Carter entered the state Democratic Executive Committee two years into office where he helped rewrite the state party's rules He became the chairman of the West Central Georgia Planning and Development Commission which oversaw the disbursement of federal and state grants for projects such as historic site restoration