Federalism: A Balancing Act

Question 7 • RKAA- Second Semester Civics and Citizenship 0.5 New

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 the 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 was a federal law that prohibited segregation and discrimination in areas such as public accommodations and employment. Under the Supremacy Clause, federal law takes precedence when state laws conflict with it, so discriminatory state laws could be struck down or no longer enforced. Therefore, the act checked state power by requiring states to comply with federal civil rights protections.

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