Federalism and Balance

Question 5 • *NBHS FL-2106010-M/J Civics A

How was the Civil Rights Act of 1964 a check on the power of the states?

Answer

The act required all states to follow federal guidelines, which resulted in state laws being overturned.

The act required people to participate in civil rights protests and boycotts, which cost the states money.

The act resulted in states passing more laws aimed at restricting the rights of different groups.

The act resulted in civil rights leaders pushing President Johnson and the federal government to take action.

Explanation

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 used federal law to prohibit discrimination in places such as public accommodations and workplaces. States could not enforce laws that conflicted with those federal protections, so discriminatory state laws could be overturned. This made the act a check on state power; it did not require people to protest or boycott.

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