This monograph sets forth the objectives and outlines the provisions of vocational acts (1917-1976) that provided for federally funded vocational education. An overview of the Smith-Hughes Act (1917) also considers changes made in vocational education after the act and amendments to the act. Other sections offer summaries of these acts: the George-Reed Act (1929) and resultant changes; the George Ellzey Act (1934) and resultant changes; the George-Deen Act (1936) and resultant changes; the George Barden Act (1946) and amendments, including Title I--Fishery Training Act, Title II--Health Amendments Acts of 1956, and Title III--National Defense Education Act; related acts passed to support vocational educaiton (Area Redevelopment Act and Manpower Development and Training Act); the Vocational Education Act (1963) and other changes; and amendments to the Smith-Hughes and George Barden Acts. The overview of the Vocational Education Amendments of 1968 outlines provisions of Title I--Amendments, Title II--Training of Vocational Education Personnel, and Title III--Miscellaneous Provisions. A summary of the Vocational Education Amendments of 1972 precedes the description of the Educational Amendments of 1976, specifically Title II--Vocational Education. National priority programs, categories for funding, and authorizations are outlined. (YLB)