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Civil Rights Act of 1964 — Reading Comprehension

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HSS 11.10.5
RI.6-8.1
RI.6-8.6

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This reading passage explores the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark piece of U.S. legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Students will learn about the historical context that led to the act, the challenges faced during its passage, and its impact on American society. The passage is structured to meet HSS 11.10.5 and CCSS.RI.6-8.1, RI.6-8.6 standards and offers critical vocabulary for developing historical understanding. The resource includes a glossary, comprehension questions, writing tasks, graphic organizers, a timeline, and both original and differentiated versions of the passage, all with Spanish translations. Read aloud audio is also available, making the content accessible to diverse learners. The passage encourages students to analyze history with evidence and reasoning, deepening their understanding of civil rights and the ongoing struggle for equality in the United States.

CONTENT PREVIEW

[Martin Luther King speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol about the Senate debate on the Civil Rights Act of 1964].
Source: Library of Congress - Trikosko, Marion S.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is one of the most important laws in United States history. Passed on July 2, 1964, this landmark legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The act addressed long-standing problems of inequality that had affected millions of Americans for generations.

Before 1964, many states had laws that allowed segregation. Segregation meant that people of different races had to use different schools, bathrooms, restaurants, and even water fountains. African Americans and other minority groups were often denied equal opportunities in education, jobs, and housing. These unfair systems were sometimes supported by courts and local governments, making change very difficult.

During the 1950s and early 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement grew stronger. Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. organized marches, protests, and acts of nonviolent resistance to demand change. Television coverage of peaceful demonstrators being met with violence shocked the nation and increased support for new federal laws. Many Americans began to see the urgent need for national action.

Passing the Civil Rights Act was not easy. Some lawmakers in Congress opposed the bill, arguing that states should control their own laws. Supporters of the act, including President Lyndon B. Johnson, used political skills and public pressure to overcome a long filibuster in the Senate. After months of debate, Congress finally approved the bill, marking a turning point in U.S. history.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 had several major sections. Title II banned segregation in public places like restaurants, theaters, and hotels. Title VII made it illegal for employers to refuse to hire someone because of their race, religion, sex, or national origin. The law also gave the federal government new powers to enforce equality in schools and public facilities, and created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to investigate complaints.

The effects of the Civil Rights Act were immediate and long-lasting. Although discrimination did not disappear overnight, the law provided powerful tools for people seeking justice. It inspired future movements for women’s rights, disability rights, and other groups fighting for equality. The act remains a symbol of the ongoing struggle to create a fair and just society for all Americans.

Interesting Fact: When President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, he used over 75 pens, which he later gave as gifts to civil rights leaders and supporters who helped make the law possible.

What year was the Civil Rights Act passed?

1964195419741865

Who was president when the Act was signed?

Lyndon B. JohnsonJohn F. KennedyAbraham LincolnBarack Obama

What did Title II ban?

Segregation in public placesVoting rightsIncome taxSchool uniforms

What did the Civil Rights Movement use?

Nonviolent protestViolenceIgnoring lawsMoving away

Which group did the Act help?

African AmericansAliensColonistsPilgrims

Why was the Act needed?

To end unfair discriminationTo raise taxesTo start warsTo make new states