This publication takes a look at the history of federal involvement in education, exploring how, why, and when it took shape, and the major themes that have defined this role over two centuries. The document concludes with a brief consideration of the impact of federal involvement over the years and the continuing need for a federal role. There are four main reasons why the federal government became involved in education: (1) to promote democracy; (2) to ensure equality of educational opportunity; (3) to enhance national productivity; and (4) to strengthen national defense. In pursuing these four broad goals, and other goals such as the study of educational effectiveness, the federal government has helped to achieve many positive accomplishments. However, these four reasons remain as compelling as ever, even though some of the specific objectives may have changed over the years. There is still a need for federal leadership to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children in the United States. Improving educational quality remains a national necessity and must be a national priority. (Contains 10 references.) (SLD)