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
Ratifying the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments involved the political strategy of writing and passing laws. These amendments were crucial in addressing the discrepancies between Black Americans and American ideals, particularly regarding issues such as slavery, citizenship, and voting rights.
The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, thus eliminating the legal foundation for the institution of slavery in the United States. This amendment was proposed by writing and drafting a law which was then passed by both houses of Congress.
The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States, including freed slaves. By writing and proposing this amendment, and subsequently passing it through Congress, Black Americans were officially recognized as citizens and granted some protections under the law.
The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, granted Black American men the right to vote. Writing and drafting the amendment, and then securing its passage through Congress, ensured that Black Americans had a constitutional guarantee for voting rights, regardless of their race or previous condition of servitude.
While the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments required political maneuvering and alliances to successfully pass through Congress, the strategy primarily revolved around the process of writing and enacting laws to eliminate the discrepancies between Black Americans and American ideals. Large-group demonstrations and litigating laws in the Supreme Court played important roles in the broader civil rights movement, but they were not the primary political strategies employed in ratifying these particular amendments.
The political strategy used to eliminate discrepancies between Black Americans and American ideals by ratifying the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments primarily involved B. writing and passing laws. However, it is important to note that other strategies were also employed, such as demonstrating in large groups, political alliances with party leaders, and litigating laws in the Supreme Court.
1. Writing and Passing Laws:
The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments were constitutional amendments that aimed to protect the rights and equality of Black Americans. These amendments were proposed, drafted, and ratified through the legislative process. The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime. The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States, including Black Americans, and provided equal protection under the law. The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibited the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
2. Demonstrating in Large Groups:
Demonstrations and protests played a crucial role in raising awareness and creating public pressure for political change. Black Americans, along with their allies, organized marches, rallies, and sit-ins to advocate for their rights and demand the government to address racial disparities. These demonstrations helped galvanize public support and generate momentum for legislative action.
3. Political Alliances with Party Leaders:
Building alliances with sympathetic party leaders was another key strategy. Black Americans and their supporters worked within the political system to push for reforms and secure the necessary support. By aligning themselves with politicians who shared their goals, they were able to advance their agenda and increase the likelihood of passing legislation that would address the discrepancies between Black Americans and American ideals.
4. Litigating Laws in the Supreme Court:
Litigation in the Supreme Court was also employed as a strategy to challenge discriminatory laws and policies. Black Americans and civil rights activists pursued legal avenues to challenge segregation, voter suppression, and other discriminatory practices. Significant cases like Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and Loving v. Virginia (1967) played a critical role in dismantling legal segregation and ensuring equal rights under the law.
In summary, while the process of eliminating discrepancies between Black Americans and American ideals involved multiple strategies, including demonstrating in large groups, political alliances, and litigating laws, the most prominent and effective strategy was writing and passing laws, as evidenced by the ratification of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments.
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.
Option B: writing and passing laws
To address the discrepancies between Black Americans and American ideals, proponents of equality and civil rights worked to create legislation that would ensure their rights were protected under the law. The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, paving the way for the liberation of millions of African Americans who had been held in bondage.
The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States, which included Black Americans. It also provided equal protection under the law, essentially guaranteeing every citizen the same rights and privileges.
The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This amendment aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting and ensure that Black Americans had the right to participate in the democratic process.
Through the process of writing and passing these amendments, those advocating for change were able to establish constitutional protections and rights for Black Americans, thereby bridging the gap between their status and American ideals. These amendments were crucial in laying the foundation for achieving racial equality, although the struggle for civil rights continued beyond their ratification.
While other methods, such as demonstrating in large groups (Option A), political alliances with party leaders (Option C), and litigating laws in the Supreme Court (Option D), might also have played a role in the broader civil rights movement, the direct mechanism by which the discrepancies were primarily addressed was through the enactment of legislation.