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
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(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
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