Unit 3 Chapter6

Civil rights

Protections against discrimination; guarantees equal treatment by government.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Segregated schools unconstitutional; overturned " separate but equal. "

The Civil Rights Act of 1964

Bans discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and federally funded programs.

Title IX/9 (1972)

Prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965

Protects minority voting rights; bans literacy tests; federal oversight in problem areas.

Supreme Court holding

The Court's official ruling that resolves the legal issue.

"Separate but equal" doctrine

Allowed segregation if facilities were "equal", overturned by Brown.

Majority-minority districting

Creating districts where minority groups form a majority to enhance representation.

Affirmative action

Policies favoring historically disadvantaged groups to promote equal opportunity.

Pro-life movement

Advocates restricting or banning abortion to protect fetal life.

Pro-choice movement

Advocates protecting abortion rights and reproductive autonomy.

Compelling state interest

Highest government justification required to meet strict scrutiny.

Constitutional provision

Specific clause or section of the Constitution granting power or protection.

Social movement

Organized effort by citizens to influence policy or cultural change.

"Letter from a Birmingham Jail"

MLK's defense of civil disobedience and urgency of civil rights.

Civil Rights Movement

1950s-60s campaign ending segregation and discrimination against African Americans.

De jure segregation

Segregation mandated by law.

De facto segregation

Segregation occurring through customs, housing patterns, or social factors.

Suspect classification

Category (race, ethnicity) triggering strict scrutiny for discrimination cases.

Strict scrutiny

Highest judicial review: law must be necessary and narrowly tailored.

Civil disobedience

Peacefully breaking unjust laws to prompt change.

Protest

Organized expression of opposition to policy.

Police power

State authority to protect health, safety, and welfare.

Equality of results

Focus on equal outcomes, not just opportunities.

Equality of opportunity

Equal chance to succeed; no guaranteed outcomes.

Reverse discrimination

Claim affirmative action harms majority groups.

Women's Rights Movement

Push for equality in law, work, education, and reproductive rights.

National Organization for Women (NOW)

Feminist group advocating women's equality and legal reforms.