Civil Rights Flashcards
(11 cards)
What was the civil rights movement?
The Civil Rights Movement was a struggle for social justice for African Americans to gain equal rights under the law in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s.
Significant events include the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, the 1963 March on Washington, and the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches.
What amendments to the constitution aided civil rights?
13th amendment (1865) - Abolished slavery
14th Amendment (1868) - All former slaves are citizens
15th Amendment (1870) - Men of all races can vote
19th Amendment (1920) - Women can vote
What was some key legislation passed because of the civil rights movement?
. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin in employment practices and public accommodations.
. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 removed legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote. However, many were intimidated into not voting due to large groups of white men who would scare them away outside polling stations.
. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, and national origin.
What were some landmark Supreme Court rulings due to the civil rights movement?
The 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine. It declared segregation in public schools nationally as unconstitutional.
The 1967 Loving v. Virginia case declared laws barring interracial marriages as unconstitutional.
What is the NAACP?
The national association for the advancement of coloured people. Established in 1909, its of the oldest and most influential civil rights organisations in the United States. Through litigation, advocacy, education, and grassroots organising, the NAACP confronted segregation, voter suppression, and systemic racism. One of its landmark achievements came in 1954 with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. In 1955, the NAACP played a central role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a year-long protest sparked by the arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. One key focus of the NAACP today is criminal justice reform - in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor the NAACP organised nationwide protests, demanding systemic reforms to address police violence and racial bias.
What is the ACLU?
The American Civil Liberties Union stands as a resilient guardian of civil liberties since its establishment in 1920. In the 1920s, it stood firm for freedom of speech during the Scopes “Monkey Trial,” a landmark case that underscored the right to teach evolution in public schools. During the McCarthy era of the 50s, the ACLU provided crucial legal support to individuals targeted for their political beliefs. In 1977, the ACLU took a stand for the rights of neo-Nazis to march in Skokie, Illinois, a predominantly Jewish community. They argued that the 1st Amendment extends protection to all forms of expression, including hate speech. Recently, the ACLU has emerged as a vocal advocate for reform within the criminal justice system, confronting issues like racial disparities in policing and sentencing.
What is affirmative action?
Affirmative action refers to a set of policies and practices within a government or organisation seeking to address systemic discrimination.
What are the pros of affirmative action?
. It promotes diversity - By actively recruiting people from underrepresented groups, these programs enrich environments by involving a diverse workforce.
. Addresses historical injustice - Supporters argue that affirmative action is necessary to address historical injustices and systemic discrimination against certain groups in order to rectify the past.
. Fosters social cohesion - by promoting inclusivity and reducing tensions stemming from inequality.
. Equalising opportunity - To level the playing field and provide marginalised groups with equal access to education, employment, and other opportunities.
. Representative workforce - By ensuring that all groups are represented, affirmative action ensures that decision-making processes are representative of the population.
What are the cons of affirmative action?
. Reverse discrimination - Where individuals from dominant groups are unfairly disadvantaged in favour of less qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.
. Meritocracy concerns - Undermines the principle of meritocracy by prioritising characteristics such as race or gender over qualifications and achievements.
. Stigmatisation of beneficiaries - It can stigmatise beneficiaries by suggesting that they are only successful due to their minority status. This can undermine the confidence and credibility of individuals.
. Legal and constitutional issues -Particularly when quotas or rigid numerical targets are employed, opponents contend that affirmative action infringes upon the rights of individuals to be treated equally under the law, regardless of their race, gender, or other protected characteristics.
What events shaped the LGBTQ rights movement?
Major turning points for LGBTQ rights include the Stonewall riots in 1969, which is often considered the start of the modern gay rights movement.
In 2015, the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges declared that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
What events shaped the disability rights movement?
The Disability Rights Movement fights for equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.
Significant legislation includes the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. These laws prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, and transportation.
