Which of the following was used by Congress to justify its passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
There is no specific list of options provided, but here are some common justifications used by Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964:
1. Promoting equality: Congress argued that the Act was necessary to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all Americans, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It aimed to address the pervasive racial discrimination and segregation prevalent at the time.
2. Constitutional authority: Congress relied on its authority granted by the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution to pass the Act. They argued that racial discrimination in places of public accommodation, such as hotels, restaurants, and theaters, had an economic impact that affected interstate commerce.
3. Upholding basic civil liberties: Congress believed that the Act was essential for protecting and upholding basic civil liberties guaranteed under the Constitution. It aimed to secure the right to vote, end racial discrimination in education and employment, and prohibit racial segregation in publicly funded facilities.
4. International reputation: Congress argued that passing the Civil Rights Act would help improve the United States' international reputation. The country was facing criticism from other nations for its systemic racism and segregation, and the Act was seen as a step towards rectifying these issues.
Note: The mentioned points are common justifications often associated with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. There may be additional arguments put forward by different legislators during the debates leading to the Act's passage.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was justified by Congress using several justifications, including the following:
1. Ending racial segregation: Congress argued that the act was necessary to put an end to the racial segregation that was prevalent in the United States. It aimed to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
2. Guaranteeing equal access to public facilities: The act aimed to ensure that all individuals had equal access to public facilities such as schools, parks, restaurants, and other places open to the public. This justification was based on the principle of equal treatment and the idea that segregation was unfair and unconstitutional.
3. Protecting voting rights: Congress justified the act by emphasizing the need for protecting and expanding voting rights, particularly for African Americans. The act included provisions to address voting discrimination, such as removing barriers to voter registration and prohibiting voting practices that disproportionately affected minorities.
4. Promoting fair employment practices: Another justification put forth by Congress was the need to combat employment discrimination. The act sought to prohibit discrimination in employment based on factors such as race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals.
These justifications formed the basis for Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to establish legal protections against discrimination and promote equality among all citizens.