Describe the political strategy used to eliminate discrepancies between Black Americans and American ideals by ratifying the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments.
A. demonstrating in large groups
B. writing and passing laws
C. political alliances with party leaders
D. litigating laws in the Supreme Court
B. writing and passing laws
The political strategy used to eliminate discrepancies between Black Americans and American ideals by ratifying the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments primarily involved writing and passing laws, along with utilizing political alliances with party leaders.
B. Writing and passing laws: This strategy involved actively proposing, drafting, and advocating for laws that would address the inequalities faced by Black Americans. In this case, the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery, the Fourteenth Amendment granted equal protection under the law, and the Fifteenth Amendment secured the right to vote for African American men. By enacting these amendments, it was hoped that the legal foundation for racial equality would be established.
C. Political alliances with party leaders: Another crucial strategy involved building political alliances with party leaders who were supportive of these legislative changes. By gaining the support of influential politicians and leveraging their political networks, advocates for these amendments ensured that their cause received widespread attention and support. This strategy also involved lobbying, organizing grassroots campaigns, and mobilizing public opinion to put pressure on lawmakers to support these amendments.
While the other options mentioned in the question - demonstrating in large groups and litigating laws in the Supreme Court - were important in advancing civil rights for Black Americans, they were not specific to the ratification of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments. Demonstrating in large groups, for instance, was a common tactic used during the civil rights movement, but the question specifically relates to the ratification of these amendments. Similarly, litigating laws in the Supreme Court was a strategy employed to challenge discriminatory laws, but it was not the primary approach used to ratify these particular amendments.
The correct answer is B. writing and passing laws.
The political strategy used to eliminate discrepancies between Black Americans and American ideals by ratifying the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments was primarily through writing and passing laws.
The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, thereby addressing the issue of bondage and recognizing the fundamental right of freedom for Black Americans.
The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. This amendment also provided equal protection under the law and due process for all citizens, regardless of race or color.
The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, guaranteed that the right to vote could not be denied based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This amendment sought to address the issue of Black disenfranchisement and ensure that Black Americans had equal access to participate in the political process.
These amendments were the result of deliberate efforts by lawmakers in Congress to address the injustices faced by Black Americans and ensure their full inclusion and protection under the law. This strategy involved writing and passing laws that specifically targeted and addressed the discrepancies and inequalities that Black Americans experienced, rather than relying solely on other methods such as demonstrating in large groups, political alliances with party leaders, or litigating laws in the Supreme Court.