Historical Representation

Historical Representation cont.

Analysis of Intended Consequences  The sweeping legislation ushered in a new era for the civil rights movement. For the first time in America's history, hotels and restaurants could not discriminate against blacks. Employers had to end job discrimination based on race, and the federal government could sue school systems that refused to desegregate. By allowing the federal government to sue, private citizens no longer suffered the burden of having to litigate civil rights violations.

Analysis of Intended Consequences cont.

Analysis of Unintended Consequences

 A few months after the CRA passed, President Johnson created the Office of Federal Contract Compliance that issued guidelines to all companies doing business with the government. These guidelines were the beginning of quota system in the American workplace. From here, it was a slippery slope all the way down to sexual harassment laws. In short, the impact of the CRA has been not been defined by the explicit goals of those who framed it, but by the unforeseeable behavior of those who implemented it.

Personal Opinion  If I were one of President Johnson’s advisors during the Civil Rights area, I would have definitely pushed for the passage of civil rights legislation. The Civil Rights Amendment of 1964 ended discrimination against blacks in public places. It allowed the federal government to sue on behalf of blacks that were being discriminated against. This was a great benefit to minorities because many lack resources or money for lawsuits. 

Personal Opinion

Photos