The Laws That Changed America

These flashcards cover key pieces of legislation from the Civil Rights Movement, including significant laws and their impacts.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Outlawed segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Outlawed literacy tests and discriminatory voting practices, giving federal oversight of voter registration in discriminatory areas.

Fair Housing Act of 1968

Made it illegal to refuse to sell or rent a home based on race, religion, or national origin.

Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965/1968

Provided federal funding to public schools with high numbers of low-income students to ensure educational equity.

Voting Rights Act of 1975

Expanded the Voting Rights Act of 1965, requiring ballots and voting instructions in multiple languages for non-English speakers.

Lyndon B. Johnson

President who signed the majority of the key Civil Rights laws between 1964 and 1975, including the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Acts.

Bloody Sunday

A violent event during a civil rights march in Selma, Alabama, that highlighted the need for voting rights legislation.

Achievement gap

The disparity in academic performance between groups of students, often related to socioeconomic status.