UNIT #5 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights CHAPTER #14 Civil Rights: Equal Justice LESSON #1-2 Equal Protection & Federal Civil Rights

The 14 th amendment was passed in 1868, following the Civil War and the 13 th amendment (abolishing slavery — 1865) -The amendment declares that a state may not “ deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of law ” -The 14 th amendment attempts to prevent/ correct discrimination within the U.S. -Discrimination can be based on race, gender, ethnic origin, age, mental or physical disability or religion -Legislation passed in the U.S. since 1868 has often argue for an expanding of rights and a defense of the 14 th Amendment Page 1 The Fourteenth Amendment UNIT #5 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights CHAPTER #14 Civil Rights: Equal Justice LESSON #1-2 Equal Protection & Federal Civil Rights

-In the 1950s and ‘ 60s Congress began passing dramatic civil rights legislation African Americans gained: -The right to vote unconditionally -Access to labor unions -The ability to be in any public place -Equality in renting and home buying -Equal access to schooling and job s Page 2 Civil Rights UNIT #5 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights CHAPTER #14 Civil Rights: Equal Justice LESSON #1-2 Equal Protection & Federal Civil Rights Women ’ s Rights -Some laws in U.S. history have been discriminatory toward gender (women) -The Civil Rights movement brought more attention to women ’ s roles

-Not until 1971 did the S.C. overturn any laws based on gender -Almost all gender distinctions in law have been removed/deemed unconstitutional Page 3 (continued) UNIT #5 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights CHAPTER #14 Civil Rights: Equal Justice LESSON #1-2 Equal Protection & Federal Civil Rights Affirmative Action -This government policy gives special consideration to African Americans, ethnic groups and women concerning employment and college admission -Quota systems attempted to set aside a certain number of jobs for these groups -Some complain it is reverse discrimination -The S.C. has lessened the influence of affirmative action in recent years