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Dred Scott v. Standford
Deepening the divide between the North and the South in the United States, The Scott v. Sandford case decided that African Americans were not seen as citizens and didn't have rights within the federal courts like the right to sue. This also showed that the Missouri Compromise was also unconstitutional. -
13th Amendment
Officially ending slavery in the united states, the 13th amendment started the journey to recognizing the equality between citizens. This amendment also started the civil rights wheels turning in this time in society. -
14th Amendment
In July of 1867, the senate signed off on the 14th Amendment which gave all individuals citizenship. This included all of those who were formerly enslaved which was profoundly impactful for the future of African Americans. This amendment stands as a large cornerstone for many cases like Brown v Board, Roe v Wade and many others. -
15th Amendment
In the United States all men including African Americans were allowed the right to vote. They could not be discriminated against because of their race, color, or based on if they were previously a servant or not. This Amendment was significant to know that there was no mention of voting based off of gender. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
The decision in this case ultimately changed the future of American history. After upholding the individual states' Jim Crow Laws, they declared that segregation wasn't unconstitutional as long as the things involved were equal for all. This eventually came to be known as "separate but equal". This was incredibly significant because it made segregation constitutional in a way, until it was brought back up later in Brown v. BOE. -
19th Amendment
After its ratification, the 19th Amendment allowed American women the right to vote. This establishment ended almost a century of protests and was the center of the women's suffrage movement. Today this amendment has completely changed the demographics of voters throughout the nation. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board established that it was unconstitutional to have state-regulated segregated school systems, which violated the 14th amendment. This case challenged the concept of "separate but equal" recognizing that segregation in general but specifically on race was wrong. -
Affirmative Action
First implemented by John F. Kennedy, affirmative action describes procedures used to prevent discrimination, in order to help individuals in educational or employment opportunities. -
24th Amendment
During voting times, state and federal level governments used to impose taxes on polls during elections. The 24th amendment stated that it was unconstitutional to do so, which developed into today our voting rights as citizens. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
One of the most prominent acts of this time, made it prohibited to discriminate in public settings. This extended into race, color, religion, sex, or your origin. This act was significant in strengthening Americans voting rights as well as school desegregation. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Similar to the Civil Rights Act, being very significant this act prohibited unequal treatment during voter registration. Such as asking impossible or misleading questions to those who are registering, so that they get denied. This act further strengthened voting rights during the Civil Rights era. -
Title IX
Signed into law by President Nixon, the prohibition of discrimination based on sex within activities and programs. Preventing harassment based on these things is vital and valuable today, especially as we continue to grow, and giving new opportunities for women in employment. -
Equal Rights Amendment
Within a year of its voting deadline, a majority of the states voted in favor of the equal rights amendment. To end legal differences regarding men and women in a multitude of matters, and to guarantee the equal rights of all men and women regardless of their sex. Ultimately the governments general standard for going over discrimination claims would be changed because of this amendment. -
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
In this case, strict racial guidelines and quotas were used in college admission, deemed a violation of the equal protection clause. They ultimately decided that race can be used as a factor during admission but strict rules and boundaries are unconstitutional. -
Bowers v. Hardwick
The Supreme Court ruled that under the Fourteenth Amendment, private sexual activity involving same-sex couples could be criminalized. This was later overruled by the Lawrence v. Texas case. This was impactful for those who were effected knowing that their kind of lifestyle was not supported or protected under the constitution. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act became the first civil law for those citizens with disabilities. Those individuals with disabilities are protected under the disabilities act in their jobs, through transportation, and even communications. This act is significant because it fights against discrimination against those who are disabled, including businesses and government programs. -
Voter ID Laws
Speaking for itself in a way, it is required that to vote a form of identification must be shown. These actions help prevent voter fraud and any inconsistencies in our voting processes. Similar to the violation of the equal opportunity clause, these laws may be at a disadvantage to some groups of people within the US. -
Shelby County v. Holder
Before making changes to voting laws, it was required that states get federal approval, and in this case, if that was not done it was deemed unconstitutional and protected against racial discrimination during those changes. Without this case decision, some areas may make changes that hurt or diminish a minority. -
Obergefell v. Hodges
Under the 14th Amendment, it is required that all states accept and license same-sex marriage, as well as see and accept outside married couples as well. After years of fighting for this protection, many were finally safe under the constitution.