Question

Why was the Pete Hernandez v. Texas ruling significant?

The decision prevented states from requiring a poll tax to vote.

The Court applied the Fourteenth Amendment to classes of people, not just races.

The Court's ruling overturned Plessy v. Ferguson.

Answer 1

The significance of the Pete Hernandez v. Texas ruling primarily lies in its application of the Fourteenth Amendment to protect the rights of specific classes of people and to address issues of racial discrimination in jury selection. In this case, the Supreme Court recognized that Mexican Americans, as a class, could not be systematically excluded from juries, which was a violation of their right to equal protection under the law.

While it did not directly prevent states from requiring a poll tax to vote, and it did not overturn Plessy v. Ferguson, the ruling was crucial in advancing civil rights and addressing discrimination. It highlighted the importance of recognizing and protecting the rights of all racial and ethnic groups as part of broader efforts to ensure equality in the legal system.

So, the best answer among the options you provided would be: "The Court applied the Fourteenth Amendment to classes of people, not just races."