-
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Dred Scott v Sanford was a Supreme Court case that held African Americans whether enslaved or free, were not citizens and therefore could not sue in federal court. The decision also declared the Missouri compromise unconstitutional. -
13th amendment
13th amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It was a step towards equality and freedom for all individuals in the United States -
14th amendment
14th amendment granted equal protection under the law to all citizens, regardless of race and defined citizenship for formerly enslaved individuals. -
15th amendment
15th amendment granted African American men the right to vote, ensuring that right to vote could not be denied based on race or color. -
Plessy v Ferguson
This Supreme Court case involved a man who challenged a Louisiana law that enforced racial segregation on trains. The case established the "separate but equal" doctrine, allowing for segregation as long as the separate facilities were equal. -
Nineteenth amendment
It granted women the right to vote, which was a important in the fight for gender equality. It expanded democratic participation and helped pave the way for women's rights movement -
Equal Rights Amendment
A proposed amendment that would guarantee equal rights under the law regardless of sex. It has not been ratified by enough states to become a part of the constitution. -
Brown v Board of education
A Supreme Court case that challenged racial segregation in public schools and ruled that separate educational facilities for different races were inherently unequal. This decision played an important role in ending segregation in the U.S -
Affirmative Action
Policies and practices that aim to promote equal opportunities for historically marginalized groups such as women and minorities in areas such as employment, education and business -
24th amendment
24th amendment prohibited the use of poll taxes as a requirement for voting in federal elections. This amendment aimed to remove barriers that prevented many African Americans from exercising their right to vote -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion or sex. This act had a profound impact on promoting equality and ending segregation in public places, employment and educational institutions. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
The act aimed to overcome barriers to voting faced by African Americans in the U.S. It prohibits racial discrimination in voting practices such as literacy tests and poll taxes. -
Title IX
A federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities. It applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding. It ensures equal opportunities for both genders. -
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
This case addressed affirmative action policies in college admissions. The Supreme Court ruled that while race could be considered as a factor in admissions, strict racial quotas were unconstitutional. -
Bowers v Hardwick
Bowers v Hardwick was a supreme court case that dealt with the constitutionality of a Georgia law that criminalized consensual same-sex sexual activity. The supreme court ruled that there was no constitutional right to engage in homosexual activity. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
A federal law in the U.S that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It ensures equal access to employment, public accommodations, transportation and other areas of life. It promoted inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities. -
Voter ID Laws
Laws that require voters to present identification in order to vote in elections. These laws vary by state and can include requirements such as showing a government issued photo ID or providing other forms of identification. The purpose if these laws is to prevent voter fraud and ensure the integrity of the voting process -
Shelby County v Holder
This case dealt with a provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Supreme Court ruled that the formula used to determine which states and jurisdictions were subject to federal oversight in regards to voting laws was unconstitutional. -
Obergefell v Hodges
It is a supreme court case that held that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples under the Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution. This legalized same-sex marriages