Civil Rights: Political Equality in the United States

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to political equality and civil rights in the United States.

Political Equality

The right of all citizens to play an equal role in government and society, as well as to receive all the protections provided by the Constitution and subsequent laws.

One Person One Vote

The principle that each person’s voting power should be roughly equal to that of every other person in a state.

Equality of Outcome

A hypothetical outcome where the government ensures that all individuals are equal in terms of income, education, and access to resources.

Equality of Opportunity

The concept that each individual is entitled to an equal chance to succeed in society.

Fourteenth Amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that defines citizenship and prohibits states from denying any person equal protection under the law.

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that requires states to provide equal protection to all people within their jurisdictions.

Naturalization

The process by which an immigrant becomes a citizen, typically involving residency, a citizenship test, and a pledge to obey the laws of the nation.

De Jure Segregation

Segregation that is enforced by law.

De Facto Segregation

Segregation that occurs due to social customs and practices, rather than by legal requirements.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on specific characteristics such as race, religion, or gender.

Jim Crow Laws

State and local laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States.

Black Codes

Laws passed in Southern states after the Civil War to limit the rights of African Americans.

Citizens United

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled that political spending is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment.

Moral or Social Equality

The recognition of the essential equality of each person, which may be hard to legislate but is important for societal acceptance.

Economic Equality

Fairness in the economy, including pay and employment opportunities without discrimination.

Racial Equality

The principle that no individual should face discrimination based on their race or ethnicity.

Gender Equality

The principle that individuals should not face discrimination based on their gender.

Sexual Equality

The principle that individuals should not face discrimination based on sexual orientation.