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Dred Scott v. Sandford
The Dred Scott case balanced the Congressional strength by making sure that there were an equal number of slave and free states admitted to the union. -
13th Amendment
Pretty much abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except for crimes as punishment. Was the big win for slaves, had to be ratified by southern states as well as northern. -
14th Amendment
Granted citizenship to those born in the USA, including former slaves. All have equal protection under the law. Also granted due process law, meaning that you can't deny life, liberty, or property without due process of law. -
15th Amendment
Gave greater protection to those for suffrage. Gave citizens the right to vote despite race, color, or previous servitude. Didn't include women's rights. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
This court case upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation, preventing other court cases to challenge racial segregation laws for more than half a century. -
19th Amendment
Gave women the right to vote. Forbid discriminating voters on account of sex or gender. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This court case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson by stating that racial segregation laws were in fact unconstitutional. This includes schools that are otherwise equal in equality. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Prohibited discrimination against color, race, religion, sex, or national origin. Ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Got rid of literacy tests prior to voting. Abolished discrimination for voting, especially in southern states. Gave more protection to those outside of the minority. -
Reed v. Reed
This was a landmark decision ruling that discrimination based on gender was unconstitutional. This included giving the administrators of states names that discriminate between sexes. -
Title XI
This law prohibited sex-based discrimination against students and those in the educational field. This also goes for any program that receives federal money. -
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
This case ruled that racial quotas were invalid, but declared affirmative action constitutional. In other words, a university couldn't require certain literacy tests for admission, but they could accept more minority applicants to an extent. -
American With Disabilities Act
This law prohibits discrimination against people with physical and mental disabilities. This includes being handicapped, mentally challenged, and autistic. -
Obergefell v. Hodges
This case helps that the 14th amendment requires states to license and recognize same-sex marriage. This was a huge win for LGBTQ+ communities.