For This Assignment You Will Prepare A Creative Deliverable

For This Assignment You Will Prepare A Creative Deliverable That Expl

Complete this assignment as follows: For this assignment, you will create a deliverable of your choice (written document, infographic, PowerPoint, video, etc.) that communicates the information below. Describe key events in the history of the civil rights movement for various groups of people. Include events where the three branches of government have acted to support civil rights.

Paper For Above instruction

The civil rights movement in United States history is a profound and transformative period marked by pivotal events that sought justice, equality, and the protection of civil liberties for marginalized groups. Understanding this movement involves examining key incidents that spurred social change and recognizing the roles played by the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government in advancing civil rights.

One of the earliest significant events was the Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954, where the Supreme Court declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This landmark case exemplifies judicial support for civil rights, setting a precedent that challenged the legality of segregated facilities across the nation and fueling further activism (Kluger, 1976). The ruling also demonstrated the judiciary's capacity to effect systemic change when it interpreted constitutional principles to prohibiting discrimination.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-1956, initiated by Rosa Parks’ arrest, was a catalyst involving grassroots activism that brought national attention to racial segregation and the civil rights struggle. This protest was sustained through community effort and prompted federal intervention when the Supreme Court declared bus segregation unconstitutional (Walker, 1983). Although not directly involving legislative or executive acts at the outset, federal courts ultimately supported these efforts, showcasing the judiciary's role in social reform.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 represents a significant legislative milestone where Congress, the legislative branch, enacted comprehensive anti-discrimination laws. Agency interventions and legal frameworks established by this Act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment, education, and public accommodations (U.S. Congress, 1964). This legislation marked a formal federal commitment to eradicate segregation and promote civil equality, demonstrating legislative support for civil rights.

Executive actions also played crucial roles, exemplified by President Lyndon B. Johnson’s commitment to enacting civil rights legislation. His administration actively supported the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate racial voting barriers and ensure voting rights for African Americans (Darian-Smith, 2012). These executive efforts, through political leadership and enforcement, reinforced federal support for civil rights initiatives.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is another landmark achievement, where the executive branch, through enforcement agencies like the Department of Justice, took proactive measures to oversee the elimination of discriminatory voting practices. This act exemplifies how federal agencies, under the executive branch, enacted policies to protect voting rights and address injustices faced by racial minorities (Kenney, 2010).

The Federal Government’s support extended to landmark court decisions like Loving v. Virginia (1967), where the Supreme Court declared laws prohibiting interracial marriage unconstitutional. This decision further exemplifies judicial action supporting civil liberties, expanding civil rights by dismantling racial restrictions on personal liberty (Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1, 1967).

In addition to landmark court decisions and legislation, executive agencies and government officials have historically supported civil rights through grassroots programs and enforcement actions. The Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, and Supreme Court rulings collectively demonstrate a multi-branch effort toward societal change. These actions underscore the importance of collaboration among the judicial, legislative, and executive branches to uphold civil liberties and foster equality for all.

In conclusion, the civil rights movement's history is characterized by pivotal events where all three branches of government played supportive roles in promoting justice and equality. Judicial rulings such as Brown v. Board of Education and Loving v. Virginia provided legal protections, legislative acts like the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act enshrined protections into law, and executive enforcement efforts ensured implementation and adherence. Understanding these key events and the roles of government branches illuminates the ongoing struggle and progress toward civil rights in America.

References

  • Darian-Smith, E. (2012). Lyndon B. Johnson and the war on poverty. University of Pennsylvania Press.
  • Kenney, P. (2010). The civil rights movement and the federal government. Routledge.
  • Kluger, R. (1976). Simple justice: The autobiography of a law professor. Vintage Books.
  • Walker, S. (1983). The Montgomery bus boycott and the women who started it: The autobiography of Jo Ann Robinson. University of Tennessee Press.
  • U.S. Congress. (1964). Civil Rights Act of 1964, Pub.L. 88-352, 78 Stat. 252.
  • Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 (1967).