For DR.CLOVER: Government Essay Final Paper - Civil Rights Act 1964
Outline
• Introduction
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the civil Right Act on July 2, 1964 to outlaw
discrimination based on color, race, origin, sex and religion. Before the bill was signed,
African Americans experienced extreme social injustice, enduring negative effects of
racism and discrimination, especially in the southern states. African Americans could not
eat in certain parts of restaurants, couldn't drink from the same water fountain, attend the
same school as whites, and more. Even then, the Supreme Court ruled that Congress
lacked the power to interdict social and economic discrimination, even following multiple
civil right cases. The power that Congress had during this time to enforce the Civil Right
Act was weak. Eventually, that power that Congress lacked was asserted by the official
and final passing of the policy in 1964.
Thesis Statement
This Act is significant to the U.S. Constitution as it economically equalized the Whites
and the African Americans in the U.S., putting an end to segregation while strengthening
U.S. democracy.
The Historical and Constitutional Background: After the Civil War (1865), and
after 4 million slaves had gained their freedom; Congress passed Civil Rights
Laws ensuring constitutional rights for African Americans. These laws were
granted under the 14th and 15th amendments. Although the 14th and 15hth
amendment were put forth to ensure the constitutional rights for African
Americans, they were never truly enforced in specific states, primarily the
southern states
The Fourteenth Amendment: It addresses many citizenship
aspects including citizen rights. The Civil rights Act of 1965
- 1 -
1
2
3
1. civil Right Act
Civil Rights Act [Kevin
Eirich]
2. 1964.
So, why should the reader
continue? You haven't really
introduced the paper to
follow. The reader could
simply stop here and move on
to something else because
you've given them no
indication of what is to come
or what you
evidence/discussion you will
present in support of your
thesis. [Kevin Eirich]
3. This Act is significant to
the U.S. Constitution as it
economically equalized the
Whites
and the African Americans
in the U.S., putting an end
to segregation while
strengthening U.S.
democracy.
This is an opinion; this is not
a thesis statement. Your
thesis should fully address
your topic and provide
content for each of the four
elements below.
For example, "Through
examining the historical and
Constitutional basis for the
law, how the government's
checks and balances
structure impacts
enforcement of the law, and
the political, electoral, and
media coverage of the law, I
will argue that the Civil Rights
Act is an essential piece of
legislation as America works
to promote an equal,
discrimination-free society for
its people." [Kevin Eirich]
followed the fourteenth amendment of the US constitution
which stated that no state should deny citizens their
constitutional rights.
The Fifteenth amendment: It gave all citizens the right to vote
by stating that no state shall deny citizens their voting rights
due to discrimination.
Civil Rights Act and the Process of checks and balances
Law Enforcement: the Act is a law that the executive branch must enforce to
have meaning and power. After passing the act in 1964, President Lyndon
Johnston signed an executive order that would give the attorney general
powers to coordinate government agencies in law enforcement.
Judicial Review Process: The Supreme Court largely upheld the
constitutionality of this Act through the case Heart of Atlanta Motel v. the
US. Like any law the Congress passes, the Act is affected by other
branches which define checks and balances.
The Civil Rights Act and public policy
Constitutional amendment: Constitutional amendments and civil
rights legislation disregards discrimination and guarantees voting.
National Transformation: the media portrays the civil Act of 1965 as
a source of national change as it promoted democracy by putting
an end to racial segregation.
Impact of the Civil Rights on voting: The act emphasized on putting an end to
discrimination against blacks’ access to the ballot. Since the passage of this act,
Marginalized Americans have used it to challenge harassment and discrimination
based on color, origin, race, religion, and gender.
Voting Rights: Civil Rights Act of 1965 advocated for the rights of all
- 2 -
1
2
3
1. discrimination.
Jaden, This is great context
on two of the Reconstruction
amendments, but I don't read
much about the Civil Rights
Act. [Kevin Eirich]
2. the Act is a law that the
executive branch must
enforce to have meaning
and power. After passing
the act in 1964, President
Lyndon Johnston signed an
executive order that would
give the attorney general
powers to coordinate
government agencies in law
enforcement.
Judicial Review Process:
The Supreme Court largely
upheld the
constitutionality of this Act
through the case Heart of
Atlanta Motel v. the
US. Like any law the
Congress passes, the Act is
affected by other
branches which define
checks and balances.
Keep in mind that checks and
balances refers to how
Congress, the president (and
the administration), and the
courts work to implement and
enforce the law.
How do the administration,
the courts, and Congress
work to enforce the law?
You may find that the Justice
Department's Division of Civil
Rights may be a useful jump
point for this section. [Kevin
Eirich]
3. Constitutional
amendments and civil
rights legislation
disregards discrimination
and guarantees voting.
National Transformation:
the media portrays the civil
Act of 1965 as a source of
national change as it
promoted democracy by
putting
an end to racial
segregation.
Pretty limited section with no
sourcing. [Kevin Eirich]
American citizens regardless of color, race, or origin. It aimed to
provide equal treatment and opportunities to All Americans,
including giving them the right to vote.
The 15th Amendment: The voting rights Act of 1965 Signed into law
by President Lyndon Johnston intended to solve legal challenges
that prevented the blacks from participating in elections as
safeguarded by the 15th amendment.
Conclusion
The Civil rights Act of 1964 was the most effective legislation the Congress enacted. It
Changed the United States both socially and politically. This legislation contained
extensive measures to combat racial segregation. From the segregated South, those who
advocated for the Act transformed American history by creating a democratic nation with
equality under the law. Therefore, The Act is significant to the U.S. Constitution as it
economically equalized the Whites and the African Americans in the U.S., putting an end
to segregation while strengthening the U.S. democracy.
- 3 -
1
2
1. voting rights Act of 1965
Different law.
You should instead focus on
the parties' and candidates'
positions on
improving/expanding civil
rights. [Kevin Eirich]
2. was the most effective
legislation the Congress
enacted.
Do you have any
evidence/sources that you
could present to support this
claim? [Kevin Eirich]
References
Eskridge Jr, W. N. (1991). Reneging on History--Playing the Court/Congress/President
Civil Rights Game. Calif. L. Rev., 79, 613. 613-683.
Stewart, J. (n.d.). Chapter 5:The Senate and Civil Rights. 145-162.
- 4 -
1
1. References
Six sources were required.
Also, these sources are not in
APA format. [Kevin Eirich]