Civil Rights & Liberties

These flashcards cover key concepts related to civil rights and liberties in the United States, addressing important amendments, clauses, and historical contexts.

What are civil rights?

Policies designed to create greater protection for people against arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by government officials or individuals.

What is the difference between civil rights and civil liberties?

Civil rights are group rights that the government must protect, while civil liberties are individual rights that the government cannot take away.

Which amendment mentions equality?

The 14th Amendment.

What does the Citizenship Clause in the 14th Amendment ensure?

Grants U.S. citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.

What is the significance of the Due Process Clause?

It prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

What is the Equal Protection Clause?

It requires states to provide equal protection of the laws to all people within their jurisdiction.

What are the different levels of legal scrutiny?

Rational Basis Review, Intermediate Scrutiny, and Strict Scrutiny.

What did the 15th Amendment aim to accomplish?

It ensures that the right to vote cannot be denied based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

What were some forms of voter suppression after the 15th Amendment?

Poll taxes, literacy tests, and voter intimidation.

What is the role of the Enforcement Clause of the 15th Amendment?

It grants Congress the power to enforce the amendment through legislation.

What was the outcome of Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?

It ended racial segregation in schools.

What is the significance of the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause?

It has led to landmark civil rights cases and requires states to treat individuals equally under the law.

How does the Due Process Clause relate to incorporation?

It applies Bill of Rights protections to state governments.

What is the historical context of civil rights issues in the U.S.?

Issues have developed from colonial slavery to modern-day discrimination, including the Civil Rights Movement.

What is the significance of the Indian Removal Act (1830)?

It forcibly relocated Native American tribes, reinforcing ethnic segregation through territorial displacement.

What were Black Codes?

State laws that restricted free Black people's rights, such as owning land, voting, and testifying in court.

What is the purpose of rational basis review?

To determine whether a law is rationally related to a legitimate government interest.

What court case overturned the Dred Scott decision?

The Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment.