Explain the origin of the civil rights movement as it relates to constitutional interpretation.
A. It originated with the lack of a constitutional amendment that granted formerly enslaved people the right to vote.
B. It originated with the legal definition of private property leading to discriminatory treatment against Black Americans.
C. It originated with states not following such federal laws as the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
D. It originated with individuals, corporations, and states not following constitutional amendments and prescribing equal treatment for education and private property.
C. It originated with states not following such federal laws as the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The civil rights movement emerged in response to ongoing racial discrimination and segregation in the United States, particularly in the southern states. Despite the passage of constitutional amendments such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments that aimed to grant equal rights and protections to African Americans, many states continued to implement discriminatory laws and practices that denied them their full rights as citizens.
The federal government passed laws such as the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to address these injustices, but many states resisted and refused to comply with these federal laws. This led to widespread protests, demonstrations, and legal challenges by civil rights activists and organizations who sought to hold states accountable for violating the constitutional rights of African Americans.
In this context, the civil rights movement can be seen as a struggle to uphold and enforce the constitutional amendments that were intended to ensure equal rights and protections for all citizens, regardless of race. By challenging discriminatory practices and advocating for the full implementation of federal laws, civil rights leaders sought to bring about social and legal changes that would align with the principles of the U.S. Constitution.