Civic Literacy Exam Civil Rights & Liberties 2

Question 1

Which constitutional amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

Accepted Answer

13th Amendment

Answer

The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime.

Question 2

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 primarily prohibited discrimination based on which characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Race, color, religion, sex, and national origin

Answer

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination in employment and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.

Question 3

What is the legal standard for 'strict scrutiny,' used in constitutional cases involving fundamental rights or suspect classifications?

Accepted Answer

The government must show a compelling interest and use narrowly tailored means

Answer

Strict scrutiny requires the government to demonstrate a compelling governmental interest and that the law is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest — the highest standard of judicial review.

Question 4

Which Supreme Court case established that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional?

Accepted Answer

Brown v. Board of Education

Answer

Brown v. Board of Education (1954) unanimously held that racial segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.

Question 5

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was primarily designed to address which problem?

Accepted Answer

Discriminatory voting practices that disenfranchised Black Americans in the South

Answer

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted to overcome legal barriers at the state and local level that prevented Black Americans from exercising their right to vote guaranteed under the 15th Amendment.

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam Civil Rights & Liberties 2