Final answer:
The civil rights movement led by Dr. King exerted pressure on Congress, leading to the passage of numerous civil rights laws. This public involvement and activism resulted in legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Step-by-step explanation:
The civil rights movement, led by Dr. King, exerted pressure on Congress, resulting in the passage of numerous civil rights laws during the second half of the twentieth century. The movement's protests, marches, and activism raised public awareness about the lack of civil rights for African Americans. This public involvement and protest, along with the work of civil rights groups like CORE and the NAACP, pushed Congress to pass important legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.