CIVIL RIGHTS OUTLINE Civil Rights Outline Allanna James Ashfo ✓ Solved

Introduction

A lot of individuals are not aware of the important roles played by the civil rights act in their lives. Also, most of them are not aware of the history of the civil rights act.

Thesis Statement

The implementation of the civil rights act in the year 1964 brought a lot of changes to America. It opened opportunities and equality among the minority groups in the United States.

The historical and Constitutional basis of American Government’s structure and how this relates to the Civil Rights Act

The civil rights movement was reconstructed between 1945 and 1968. There were a lot of changes during this era. These changes were made by different presidents who came to power.

How the civil rights act policy is involved in the process of checks and balances

The system of checks and balances sees to it that power is distributed across the three government branches. The civil rights act promoted the execution of equal rights practices. Also, it helped in the enforcement of the 5th amendment.

How the civil rights act policy relates to public policy and elections and how the policy is portrayed by the media.

A lot of violence was experienced during the fight to pass this act. These fights were for the purpose of pushing the passing and enactment of the policy.

How the civil rights act policy impacts voting and the election process

The passing of the voting rights act had a lot of impact in America. Every person was entitled to vote despite of their race or ethnicity.

Conclusion

The enactment of the civil rights act transformed the United States. It led to the extinction of segregation in public places. This act promoted the creation and enactment of the voting rights act.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 represents a pivotal moment in American law and society, establishing foundational legal protections against discrimination. Despite its significance, many individuals remain unaware of the act's profound impact on their daily lives and its historical context. This paper examines the transformative power of the Civil Rights Act, implemented in 1964, highlighting its effects on various facets of American society, including public policy, electoral processes, and social justice.

Historical Background

The Civil Rights Movement, which unfolded between 1945 and 1968, was characterized by significant socio-political changes aimed at dismantling institutionalized racism and promoting civil liberties. Presidents during this era played crucial roles in shaping civil rights policies. For instance, Harry S. Truman initiated early civil rights measures in the 1940s, while Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency culminated in the passage of the Civil Rights Act (Hamby, 1995; McCoy, 1984).

By examining these historical contexts, one can appreciate the struggle and advocacy that laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act. The act arose as a response to systemic inequalities faced by African Americans and other minority groups in the United States.

Checks and Balances

The system of checks and balances is crucial in the context of the Civil Rights Act, which enforces equal rights practices across all government branches. This doctrine ensures that the powers of the government are distributed and balanced, whereby each branch can limit the powers of the others. The implementation of the Civil Rights Act required collaboration among executive, legislative, and judicial branches to enforce its provisions effectively (Bentele & O’Brien, 2013).

For example, the act enabled the federal government to intervene in state laws that enforced segregation. It also provided mechanisms for individuals to seek justice against discriminatory practices, promoting the enforcement of the Fifth Amendment’s protections against discrimination (Fauntroy, 2015).

Civil Rights Act and Public Policy

The Civil Rights Act had profound implications for public policy and electoral systems. The enactment of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 emerged from the momentum of the Civil Rights Act, aiming to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans (Cobb, 2015). Media portrayal of these events was critical in shaping public perception and mobilizing support for civil rights legislation. Coverage of protests and instances of violence highlighted the urgent need for reforms and garnered national attention (Rodriguez, 2008).

Furthermore, the media served as a battleground for public opinion, influencing legislative outcomes and the national dialogue surrounding race relations (Graham, 2002). The portrayal of civil rights activists fighting against racial oppression galvanized support from diverse communities, showcasing the importance of activism in policy reform.

Impact on Voting and Elections

The passage of the Voting Rights Act marked a significant turning point in American democracy. For the first time, legislation prohibited racial discrimination in voting, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity, had the right to participate in the electoral process. This shift transformed voter registration and turnout among minority populations, ultimately influencing election outcomes (Tolson, 2012).

Moreover, the Voting Rights Act set a precedent for subsequent legislation aimed at further dismantling systemic barriers to voting. Its legacy persists today as debates over voter ID laws and access to polling places continue to evoke discussions reminiscent of the civil rights struggles of the 1960s.

Conclusion

The enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 fundamentally altered the landscape of American society. It dismantled segregation in public spaces, established legal protections for minority groups, and paved the way for impactful legislation like the Voting Rights Act. These advances underscore the ongoing necessity for vigilance in defending civil rights, as the struggle for equality continues to evolve in contemporary society.

References

  • Bentele, K. G., & O’Brien, E. E. (2013). Jim Row 2.0? Why States Consider and Adopt Restrictive Voter Access Policies. Perspectives on Politics, 11(4), 1088–1116.

  • Cobb, J. C. (2015). Fauntroy, Republicans and the Black Vote.

  • Fauntroy, M. (2004). For Truman and civil rights. In A. Hamby (Ed.), Man of the People: A Life of Harry S. Truman (pp. 47–49). New York: Oxford University Press.

  • Graham, B. (2002). Presidential Studies Quarterly, 32(3).

  • Hamby, A. (1995). Man of the People: A Life of Harry S. Truman. New York: Oxford University Press.

  • McCoy, D. R. (1984). The Presidency of Harry S. Truman. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas.

  • Rodriguez, C. M. (2008). From Litigation to Legislation: A Review of Brian Landsberg's Free at Last to Vote: The Alabama Origins of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Yale Law Journal, 117(6).

  • Tolson, F. (2012). In Vanderbilt Law Review, 65(4), p.1195.

  • Frederickson, K. (2001). The Dixiecrat Revolt and the End of the Solid South, 1932–1968. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.