6.4 The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark law that banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It outlawed segregation in public places, employment, and federally funded programs, setting up the EEOC to enforce these rules.

Despite its importance, the Act faced challenges. Southern Democrats and conservative Republicans opposed it, some states resisted enforcement, and deeply ingrained social attitudes were slow to change. Implementation was hindered by limited resources and enforcement mechanisms.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964

Provisions of Civil Rights Act 1964

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• Prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
  • Banned segregation in public accommodations (restaurants, hotels, theaters) to ensure equal access for all
  • Outlawed discrimination in employment practices to promote fair hiring and treatment in the workplace
  • Prohibited discrimination in federally funded programs to ensure equal distribution of resources
• Established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce provisions and investigate complaints
• Laid the groundwork for further civil rights legislation by establishing legal precedents and mechanisms
• Significant step towards dismantling legal segregation and discrimination enshrined in Jim Crow laws

Challenges in civil rights legislation

• Opposition from southern Democrats and conservative Republicans
  • Filibuster in the Senate led by Senator Richard Russell of Georgia delayed passage
  • Concerns about federal overreach and states' rights raised by opponents
• Resistance to enforcement in some states and localities
  • Continued discrimination and segregation in practice despite legal prohibitions
  • Challenges to the constitutionality of the Act brought by states and individuals
• Lack of immediate change in social attitudes and practices deeply entrenched in society
• Implementation challenges due to limited resources and enforcement mechanisms available to federal agencies

The Voting Rights Act of 1965

Significance of Voting Rights Act 1965

• Prohibited discriminatory voting practices that disenfranchised African Americans
  • Banned literacy tests, poll taxes, and other barriers to voting used to suppress black voters
  • Provided federal oversight of voter registration and elections in certain jurisdictions with history of discrimination
• Empowered the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute violations of voting rights
• Significant increase in African American voter registration and participation following passage
  • Mississippi: 6.7% of eligible African Americans registered in 1964, 59.8% by 1967
  • Alabama: 19.3% registered in 1964, 51.6% by 1967
• Enabled the election of African American representatives at all levels of government, giving voice to the community

Impact on African American participation

• Increased access to public accommodations, employment, and education
  • Desegregation of schools, workplaces, and public facilities opened up new opportunities
  • Expanded opportunities for African Americans in various fields previously closed to them
• Growth in African American political representation and influence
  • Increased number of African American elected officials at local, state, and federal levels (mayors, legislators, members of Congress)
  • Greater attention to issues affecting the African American community in political discourse
• Laid the foundation for further civil rights advancements
  • Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibited discrimination in housing
  • Affirmative action policies aimed to address past discrimination and promote diversity
• Symbolic importance as a recognition of African American rights and equality under the law after centuries of oppression
• Limitations and ongoing challenges
  • Persistent economic and social disparities between African Americans and white Americans
  • Continued instances of discrimination and racism in various aspects of life
  • Need for ongoing efforts to protect and expand civil rights to fully realize the promise of equality