Final answer:
Prior to the 1960s, the government played a more passive role in racial equality. Post-1960s, affirmative action programs were enacted to rectify past discrimination, but faced criticism over time. The government's involvement in racial equality continues to evolve and remains a topic of debate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the 1960s, the legitimate purposes of government did not actively include enforcing racial equality. However, during the 1960s, influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and geopolitical pressures of the Cold War, the U.S. government began to implement affirmative action programs to correct past discrimination. These programs mandated efforts to hire or enroll individuals from groups that had suffered discrimination. Historically, the government's role could be described as more passive regarding civil rights before this era.
By the late 1970s and 1980s, there was a pushback against these programs, with critics labeling them as "reverse discrimination". As we moved past the 1960s, the government's role shifted to a more contested space, with some affirmative action requirements being eased for government contractors.
Today, the debate over the role of government in promoting racial equality continues. While strides have been made, the interaction between African Americans and whites has advanced greatly, showing a contrast to pre-Civil Rights Movement America. Yet, the challenges of overcoming housing, job discrimination, and educational inequality remain substantive.