Home Nutrition From Inclusion to Enshrinement- The Journey of Civil Rights into the U.S. Constitution

From Inclusion to Enshrinement- The Journey of Civil Rights into the U.S. Constitution

by liuqiyue
0 comment

When did civil rights become part of the constitution? This is a question that has intrigued legal scholars, historians, and activists for centuries. The inclusion of civil rights within the constitution has been a gradual process, shaped by various historical events and societal changes.

The origins of civil rights in the United States can be traced back to the Declaration of Independence, which declared that “all men are created equal” and endowed with “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” However, the reality of these ideals was far from being realized for many years, especially for African Americans, women, and other marginalized groups.

The first significant step in incorporating civil rights into the constitution came with the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791. While the Bill of Rights primarily focused on protecting individual liberties, it laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements. For instance, the First Amendment guaranteed freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, which were crucial for advocating for civil rights.

However, it wasn’t until the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were adopted in the late 19th century that civil rights gained a more explicit place in the constitution. The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, marking a significant victory for civil rights. This amendment was a direct response to the injustices and human rights violations caused by the institution of slavery.

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, further solidified civil rights by granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. It also declared that no state could deny any person “equal protection of the laws.” This amendment laid the foundation for subsequent civil rights legislation and Supreme Court decisions.

The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibited states from denying a citizen the right to vote based on that citizen’s “race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” This amendment was a crucial step in ensuring that African Americans could exercise their right to vote and participate in the political process.

While these amendments were a significant achievement for civil rights, the struggle for equality continued well into the 20th century. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were two landmark pieces of legislation that further expanded civil rights. The Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment, education, and public accommodations. The Voting Rights Act aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

In conclusion, civil rights became part of the constitution through a series of amendments and legislative acts over the course of more than two centuries. The journey to ensure equality and justice for all has been long and challenging, but the inclusion of civil rights in the constitution has been a crucial step in the ongoing fight for a more inclusive and equitable society. The question of when civil rights became part of the constitution serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made, as well as the work that remains to be done.

You may also like