Final answer:
Civil rights laws had a significant impact on U.S. society by ending segregation in public places, banning discrimination in housing and employment, and securing voting rights for all citizens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Civil Rights Legislation
The changes created by civil rights law were profound and far-reaching. Most notably, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation in public places such as schools and workplaces and by facilities that served the general public, commonly referred to as 'public accommodations.' It ended discrimination in home-owning by banning discriminatory practices in housing. Additionally, the Act made it illegal to deny renting or home-ownership on the basis of race, ensuring that all people have equal rights to housing.
Moreover, the Civil Rights Act was instrumental in creating equal employment opportunities by making it illegal for employers to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This led to the establishment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce these provisions. The Act also allowed all people to use the same public facilities, marking the end of an era where racial minorities were excluded from certain areas in society.
The subsequent legislation, particularly the Voting Rights Act of 1965, tackled the discriminatory practices that had suppressed the voting rights of racial minorities. This Act secured the right to vote for all citizens, indeed transforming American democracy. Over time, laws and societal norms have continued to evolve, resulting in increased protections and rights for a wider range of individuals, including women and LGBTQ people.