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Dred Scott v. Sandford
This Supreme Court case said that the U.S constitution does not give American citizenship to people of African descent. This meant they cannot sue in federal court because the court lacks jurisdiction. It was also found that the Missouri Compromise of 1820 was unconstitutional and foreclose from freeing slaves within Federal territories. Finally, the court ruled that slaves were property under the 5th Amendment and any law that didn't allow a slave owner their property was unconstitutional -
13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment was the abolishment of involuntary slavery in the United States. It was still allowed as a punishment for convicts. Congress has the power to enforce this Amendment with any laws necessary. -
14th Amendment
Gave all the people born or naturalized in the United States including formally enslaved people. It also provided all citizens with equal protection under the law. The amendment allowed government to punish states by reducing their seats in congress is they denied citizens the right to vote.
It also prevents Confederate states from paying war debts and compensating former slave owners for the freedom of enslaved people.
All government offices must have 2/3 approval from the House and Senate -
15th Amendment
This Amendment said the right to vote can't be denied based on color, race or servitude. This granted African American men the right to vote.
This amendment allowed people of color to vote but states found various ways around this such as the "Jim Crow" laws. It wasn't until 1965 that African Americans could truly vote. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
This supreme court case ruled that separate-but-equal facilities were constitutional. This decision upheld the principle of segregation for the next half-century. The ruling allowed legal justification for segregation on trains, buses, hotels, theaters, schools, and all public facilities. -
19th Amendment
This amendment stated the right of citizens to vote shall not be denied by any state based on sex. This allowed women to vote. It took 42 years for this act to be certified. -
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
This unanimous supreme court case decision held that "separate-but-equal" facilities were unequal and violate the protections of the 14th amendment. Segregation in schools installed a sense of inferiority in African American children that affects their growth and education. The Doll Test was used to prove this. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Act prohibited discrimination in public accommodations and federally funded programs. It also strengthened the enforcement of voting rights and the desegregation of schools. The passage of the act ended the "Jim Crow" laws. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson aimed to overcome barriers African Americans had that prevented them from voting. This act prohibits racial discrimination in voting. -
Reed v. Reed
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Equal Rights Amendment
This proposed amendment guarantees equal legal rights for all American citizens no matter their sex. This amendment was passed by congress on March 22, 1972, but still has not been ratified. -
Americans with Disabilities Act
This act prohibits discrimination based on disability. This included mental and physical disabilities. This act guarantees people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else such as employment, purchasing goods and services, and participation in local and state government programs.