Describe the political strategy used to eliminate discrepancies between Black Americans and American ideals by ratifying the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments.

Question

writing and passing laws

demonstrating in large groups

litigating laws in the Supreme Court

political alliances with party leaders

Answer 1

The political strategy employed to address the disparities between Black Americans and American ideals primarily involved the ratification of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were instrumental in eliminating the institution of slavery, providing equal protection under the law, and granting voting rights to Black Americans.

The first aspect of this strategy involved writing and passing laws. The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, thereby officially ending the oppressive system that had severely affected Black Americans for centuries. This legislative action was a fundamental step in rectifying the discrepancy between the principles of American democracy and the institution of slavery that contradicted these ideals.

The next critical component was demonstrating in large groups. Black Americans, along with their white allies, engaged in significant protests and civil rights movements to demand equality and justice. These demonstrations, such as the March on Washington and the Selma to Montgomery marches, drew attention to the plight of Black Americans and forced the government to address the issue. The collective power of these massive gatherings contributed to the mobilization of public sentiment and exerted pressure on lawmakers to enact meaningful change.

Additionally, litigating laws in the Supreme Court was an essential strategy employed by civil rights activists. They strategically challenged discriminatory laws or unfair practices through the legal system, aiming to secure important rulings that would uphold the rights and liberties of Black Americans. Notable cases include Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which ended segregation in public schools, and Loving v. Virginia (1967), which declared bans on interracial marriage unconstitutional.

Furthermore, forging political alliances with party leaders played a vital role in advancing the cause of equality. Civil rights activists worked closely with sympathetic politicians and party leaders who believed in their cause and were willing to advocate for policy changes. This involved engaging in grassroots organizing, lobbying, and mobilizing voter support to elect officials who would champion civil rights legislation.

In conclusion, the political strategy used to eliminate discrepancies between Black Americans and American ideals relied on a multi-faceted approach. It involved writing and passing laws, demonstrating in large groups, litigating laws in the Supreme Court, and forming political alliances with party leaders. All of these efforts combined were instrumental in achieving key milestones in the fight for equality, as reflected in the ratification of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments.