Case Study 2 Grading Rubric Fall 2015 Levels Of Quality Perf

Case Study 2 Grading Rubric Fall 2015levels Of Qualityperformancecr

For this assignment, you are to analyze a legislative act related to social movements, civil liberties, or civil rights. Specifically, choose either the debate over and passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and answer the following questions:

  • What is the title of the legislation being studied?
  • Provide a history of what led up to the legislation. Why was it considered necessary? (approximately one page to one and a half pages, double-spaced, with in-text APA citations)
  • Who were the people and organizations involved in getting the legislation passed?
  • When was the legislation passed and signed into law?
  • What are the main provisions of the legislation?
  • Describe the outcome or long-term impact of the legislation on democracy in America. Why is it still significant today?
  • Have there been any major amendments or court challenges in recent years? If so, how have they changed the original legislation?

The paper should be 4-5 pages, double-spaced, using #12 font, Times New Roman, with APA citations and a separate References page listing at least three sources. Do not include a title page or abstract. All material must be original or properly cited; avoid plagiarism. For citations, include author name, year, and page number where relevant.

Paper For Above instruction

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 stands as one of the most significant legislative achievements in American history, fundamentally transforming the landscape of racial equality and civil liberties. This legislation emerged amidst a whirlwind of social activism, legal challenges, and political negotiations aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination. The necessity of this law was driven by persistent racial injustices, especially in the realms of employment, education, and public accommodations, coupled with a growing civil rights movement demanding change.

Before its passage, the United States faced widespread segregation and discrimination, especially in the South, where Jim Crow laws institutionalized racial separation. Activists like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and agencies such as the NAACP worked tirelessly to challenge oppressive practices. The legislative process was spearheaded by influential lawmakers, most notably President Lyndon B. Johnson, who leveraged his political influence to push the bill through Congress. Civil rights advocates and legislative allies collaborated to draft, debate, and ultimately endorse the legislation, which reflected a broad coalition committed to racial equality.

The legislation was signed into law on July 2, 1964, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. history. The act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment practices, public accommodations, and federally assisted programs. Key provisions included Title VII, which established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to monitor and enforce employment discrimination laws, and Title II, prohibiting segregation in hotels, restaurants, theaters, and other public facilities. The law also authorized the U.S. Attorney General to file desegregation lawsuits, bolstering federal enforcement against discriminatory practices.

The impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has been profound and enduring. It formally dismantled legalized segregation, opening opportunities for marginalized communities in employment, education, and public life. Over time, it catalyzed further legislation, such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and helped foster a more equitable society. The act's principles continue to influence civil rights policies and inspire ongoing activism. Its legacy is evident in the persistent pursuit of racial justice and equality in contemporary America.

In recent years, the Civil Rights Act has faced challenges, including court rulings that have narrowly interpreted its scope or modifications in enforcement policies. For example, debates over affirmative action have tested the legislation's provisions and implementation. Notably, Supreme Court cases such as Fisher v. University of Texas have addressed the legality of race-conscious admissions policies, impacting how civil rights laws are applied in education. These developments reflect ongoing tensions and evolving interpretations of the law's reach, but the core protections established by the Civil Rights Act remain intact and foundational to American civil rights law.

References

  • Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, 579 U.S. ___ (2016).
  • Klarman, M. J. (2004). From Jim Crow to Civil Rights: The Supreme Court and the Struggle for Racial Equality. Oxford University Press.
  • Powell, M. (2009). The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Road to Equality. Journal of American History, 96(3), 711–735.
  • U.S. Department of Justice. (2014). Civil Rights Act of 1964. https://www.justice.gov/crt/about/civilrights act
  • Williams, R. (2012). Civil Rights Movement. Oxford University Press.
  • Johnson, L. B. (1964). Civil Rights Legislation: The Road to Equality. Presidential Speeches and Acts, 1963–1964.
  • Segregation and Desegregation. (2015). The Civil Rights Act of 1964. History Channel.
  • Litigation and Amendments. (2020). Recent Court Challenges to Civil Rights Laws. legalresearch.com.
  • King, M. L. Jr. (1963). I Have a Dream. Delivered at the March on Washington.
  • NAACP. (2015). The Legacy of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

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