Civil Rights Act of 1964

Definition

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It aimed to enforce the constitutional rights of all Americans, specifically targeting segregation in schools and public places while promoting equal employment opportunities. This act built upon the foundational principles of equality established by the 14th and 15th Amendments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, after a long struggle that involved widespread activism and civil disobedience.
2. It banned discrimination in public accommodations, including hotels, restaurants, and theaters, effectively ending segregation in these spaces.
3. The Act also made it illegal for employers to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in hiring, firing, and promotions.
4. Title VI of the Act prohibited discrimination in federally funded programs and activities, reinforcing the federal government's commitment to civil rights.
5. The passage of this Act marked a significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement and laid the groundwork for future legislation aimed at addressing inequality.

Review Questions

• How did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 build upon the principles established by the 14th and 15th Amendments?
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 reinforced the principles laid out in the 14th and 15th Amendments by promoting equal treatment under the law and protecting against racial discrimination. The 14th Amendment established the foundation for citizenship rights and equal protection, while the 15th Amendment secured voting rights for African Americans. The Civil Rights Act expanded these protections by outlawing discrimination in various areas such as employment and public accommodations, thus ensuring broader enforcement of equality for all citizens.
• Discuss how the Civil Rights Act of 1964 addressed issues related to public accommodation and employment discrimination.
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 specifically targeted public accommodations by prohibiting segregation in places like hotels, restaurants, and theaters. It also addressed employment discrimination by making it illegal for employers to discriminate against individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This comprehensive approach aimed not only to dismantle segregation but also to create fairer job opportunities, thus significantly improving civil rights protections for marginalized groups.
• Evaluate the impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on subsequent civil rights legislation and societal change in America.
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 had a profound impact on subsequent civil rights legislation by setting a precedent for future laws aimed at combating discrimination and promoting equality. It inspired further activism and led directly to important laws such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which sought to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans. The cultural shift initiated by this act contributed significantly to changes in societal attitudes toward race relations, ultimately paving the way for ongoing efforts toward equality and justice in America.

Related terms

14th Amendment:

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and provides equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment:

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Voting Rights Act of 1965:

A significant piece of federal legislation that aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans and enforce their right to vote as guaranteed by the 15th Amendment.