Congressional Authority and Civil Rights

Overview:

For this assignment, you will prepare a creative deliverable focused on civil rights legislation. You will be able to choose whichever format you wish for your deliverable. Please follow the instructions below and be sure to follow APA formatting guidelines.

For more guidance about APA formatting, refer to the APA Resources in the Academic Support area of the “Student Resources” button on our course Home page.

Instructions:

This week’s readings and the Module 3 Lesson addressed civil rights legislation.

1. For this assignment, create a deliverable of your choice (written document, infographic, PowerPoint, video, etc.) that communicates the information below.

· Describe the provisions in the U.S. Constitution that give Congress the power to enact civil rights legislation.

· As part of your deliverable, be sure to include information on the amendments and related civil rights we studied this week.

2. Submit your deliverable below.

What provisions in the U.S. Constitution empower Congress to pass civil rights laws?,
What are the key constitutional amendments related to civil rights?,
How do these amendments support civil rights legislation?,
What specific rights are protected by these amendments?,
How does this legal foundation affect modern civil rights laws?

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Congressional Power to Enact Civil Rights Legislation

The U.S. Constitution grants Congress specific powers that serve as the legal foundation for enacting civil rights laws. One of the most significant sources of this power is the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to regulate commerce among the states. This clause has been used extensively to justify civil rights laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and education.

Additionally, Section 5 of the 14th Amendment gives Congress the power to enforce the provisions of the amendment, including the guarantee of equal protection under the law. This section enables Congress to pass laws ensuring that no state can deny individuals their civil rights.

Key Constitutional Amendments and Their Role in Civil Rights
1. 13th Amendment (1865): Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. This was the first constitutional step toward civil rights for formerly enslaved people.
2. 14th Amendment (1868): Guaranteed equal protection under the law and due process. It prevents states from infringing on the rights of citizens, laying the groundwork for future civil rights laws.
3. 15th Amendment (1870): Prohibited denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
4. 19th Amendment (1920): Granted women the right to vote, marking a major expansion of civil rights.
5. 24th Amendment (1964): Eliminated the poll tax in federal elections, a tool historically used to suppress the Black vote.
6. Voting Rights Act of 1965 (based on the 15th Amendment): Though not an amendment, this legislation is a critical example of Congress using its constitutional authority to enforce civil rights.
Conclusion

The U.S. Constitution provides a robust framework for Congress to enact civil rights legislation through both its enumerated powers and the amendments passed during Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement. The synergy between these constitutional provisions and legislative efforts has enabled the advancement of civil rights in education, employment, voting, and public life. Understanding this legal foundation is essential for appreciating the evolution and ongoing defense of civil rights in America.

References:
- U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8
- U.S. Const. amend. XIII, XIV, XV, XIX, XXIV
- Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Voting Rights Act of 1965
- National Archives. (n.d.). Constitution of the United States. https://www.archives.gov
- Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). Commerce Clause. Cornell University Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/commerce_clause

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