Question

how did congress contribute to the extension of equal rights to marginalized groups in the 20th century

Answer 1

Congress enhanced equal rights for marginalized groups by enacting laws such as the Nineteenth Amendment, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Education Amendments Act of 1972. These laws addressed voting rights, school integration, employment and housing discrimination, and sex discrimination in education. They also took steps to accommodate individuals with disabilities and furthered LGBTQ rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

How Congress Contributed to the Extension of Equal Rights

Congress played a significant role in advancing equal rights for marginalized groups throughout the 20th century by enacting various laws and amendments. Key legislative actions included the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. In the 1960s, Congress passed civil rights legislation that integrated schools, prohibited discrimination in employment and housing, and expanded access to higher education.

Notably, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Importantly, the inclusion of 'sex' in the Act, initially perceived as a stalling tactic by a segregationist, ultimately helped pave the way for the prohibition of gender discrimination in employment. Additionally, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, co-authored by Patsy Mink, further prohibited sex discrimination in education.

Moreover, the federal government enacted laws to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, creating the principle of reasonable accommodation in workplaces and educational institutions. Furthermore, advancements in LGBTQ rights in recent decades have led to the decriminalization of same-sex consensual acts and the legalization of same-sex marriage across the United States.

Answer 2

Congress helped to pass several different laws that helped marginalize groups during the 20th century including:

1) The 19th amendment- The 19th amendment, passed in 1920, helped women gain the right to vote. This significantly helped women in American society, as it gave them a voice in the political process along with the ability to vote for individuals who would serve in their best interests.

2) The 24th amendment- This amendment outlawed the use of poll taxes as a means to stop people from voting. During the late 19th and early 20th century, poll taxes were used as a way to stop African-American men from voting in local, state, and national elections. Making this illegal allowed more African-American men to vote in elections.