Civil Rights Flashcards
What are Civil Liberties?
The freedoms enjoyed by individual Americans. For example, the right to freedom of speech.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution that were agreed by Congress in 1789 and finally ratified in 1791. These amendments focus on individual rights, such as freedom of speech and religion. They protect the civil liberties of US citizens from the actions of the government.
What is a Landmark Ruling?
A Supreme Court judgement that establishes a new legal principle or fundamentally changes the way in which the Constitution is interpreted. This effectively changes the meaning of federal law.
What is the Supreme Court?
The highest federal court in the USA. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal and is responsible for interpreting the Constitution.
What was/is the Civil Rights Movement?
The historic campaign for equal rights for African-Americans. It originated in the late 19th century, but was at its height in the 1950s and 1960s, during which time a series of new federal laws were passed to ban discrimination. Famous trailblazers include Martin Luther King Junior and Rosa Parks.
