UNIT #5

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

CHAPTER #14

Civil Rights: Equal Justice

LESSON #1-2

Equal Protection & Federal Civil Rights

The 14th amendment was passed in 1868, following the Civil War and the 13th amendment (abolishing slavery—1865)

-The amendment declares that a state may not “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of law”

-The 14th amendment attempts to prevent/ correct discrimination within the U.S.

-Discrimination can be based on race, gender, ethnic origin, age, mental or physical disability or religion

-Legislation passed in the U.S. since 1868 has often argue for an expanding of rights and a defense of the 14th AmendmentPage 1

The Fourteenth AmendmentUNIT #5

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

CHAPTER #14

Civil Rights: Equal Justice

LESSON #1-2

Equal Protection & Federal Civil Rights

-In the 1950s and ‘60s Congress began passing dramatic civil rights legislation

African Americans gained:-The right to vote unconditionally-Access to labor unions-The ability to be in any public place-Equality in renting and home buying-Equal access to schooling and job s

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Civil RightsUNIT #5

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

CHAPTER #14

Civil Rights: Equal Justice

LESSON #1-2

Equal Protection & Federal Civil Rights

Women’s Rights-Some laws in U.S. history have been

discriminatory toward gender (women)-The Civil Rights movement brought more

attention to women’s roles

-Not until 1971 did the S.C. overturn any laws based on gender

-Almost all gender distinctions in law have been removed/deemed unconstitutional

Page 3

(continued)UNIT #5

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

CHAPTER #14

Civil Rights: Equal Justice

LESSON #1-2

Equal Protection & Federal Civil Rights

Affirmative Action-This government policy gives special

consideration to African Americans, ethnic groups and women concerning employment and college admission

-Quota systems attempted to set aside a certain number of jobs for these groups

-Some complain it is reverse discrimination-The S.C. has lessened the influence of

affirmative action in recent years