Civil Rights Act of 1964

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 2000a et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The Act was passed to end segregation in public places and ban employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a response to the Civil Rights Movement and entrenched systemic discrimination.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
While the 14th Amendment and earlier Civil Rights Acts (1866, 1875) provided some protections, enforcement was weak and inconsistent. The 1964 Act gave federal government direct authority to enforce civil rights.

Acts

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The ADA was passed to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensure equal opportunity in employment, government services, public accommodations, and telecommunications.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibited disability discrimination in federally funded programs, but not in private employment or public accommodations. The ADA expanded protections to cover nearly all aspects of daily life.