Role of the People Flashcards
What steps has the U.S. government taken to ensure civil rights are extended to marginalized groups?
The legislative branch proposed a constitutional amendment banning the use of poll taxes and passed civil rights and voting rights legislation.
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An excerpt from the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is shown.
No person acting under color of law shall … in determining whether any individual is qualified under State law or laws to vote in any Federal election, apply any standard, practice, or procedure different from the standards, practices, or procedures applied under such law or laws to other individuals within the same county, parish, or similar political subdivision who have been found by State officials to be qualified to vote . . .
- Civil Rights Act, July 2, 1964
Which basic principle of the Constitution was reinforced as a result of this Act?
Popular sovereignty.
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Which responsibility of U.S. citizens is associated with the right to free speech?
Engaging in civil discourse.
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In 1961, Clarence Gideon was convicted of a felony.
During his trial, Gideon requested that the court appoint an attorney on his behalf because he could not afford to hire one himself, but the judge denied his request.
*Judge: Mr. Gideon, I am sorry, but I cannot appoint Counsel to represent you in this case. Under the laws of the State of Florida, the only time the Court can appoint Counsel to represent a Defendant is when that person is charged with a capital offense. I am sorry, but I will have to deny your request to appoint Counsel to defend you in this case.
Mr. Gideon: The United States Supreme Court says I am entitled to be represented by Counsel.
The case was later reviewed by the Supreme Court, and in Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) the court held that Gideon’s constitutional rights had been violated.
Which constitutional amendment served as the basis for the Court’s ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright?
Sixth Amendment: ‘In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial… and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.’
This amendment ensures the right to legal representation.
In Gideon v. Wainwright, the U.S. Supreme Court relied on the ____ in order to apply the protections of the Bill of Rights to state governments.
doctrine of incorporation
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Which right allows U.S. citizens to directly participate in the electoral process?
The right to vote.
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What is a responsibility of exercising the right to vote?
Being informed on public issues.
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What action did the Executive Branch take to extend civil rights during the 1950s and 1960s?
Sent National Guard.
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What action did the Legislative Branch take to extend civil rights during the 1950s and 1960s?
Outlawed discrimination.
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What action did the Judicial Branch take to extend civil rights during the 1950s and 1960s?
Applied due process clause.
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Why did President Kennedy order the Alabama National Guard to intervene in 1963?
The state executive branch refused to comply with a federal court ruling.
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Which legal principle did the Supreme Court use to extend the Bill of Rights guarantees to state laws?
The ‘due process clause’ of the 14th Amendment.
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Which Supreme Court decision extended freedom of assembly?
De Jonge v. Oregon (1937).
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Which Supreme Court decision extended freedom of religion?
Cantwell v. Connecticut (1940).
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Which Supreme Court decision extended freedom of the press?
Near v. Minnesota (1931).
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What is a civic responsibility of citizens?
Serving on a jury.
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Which right does the civic responsibility to serve on a jury safeguard?
Right to an impartial jury.
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What did the Executive Branch do to ensure African Americans had access to public education?
Sent in the National Guard to integrate schools.
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What did the Legislative Branch do to ensure African Americans could exercise their right to vote?
Passed a series of civil rights and voting acts.
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