d) 14th Amendment

.The Civil Rights Act of 1964 stands as one of the most significant pieces of legislation in American history, aimed at fulfilling the promises of the 14th Amendment, which was ratified in 1868. This amendment, a cornerstone of the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, was instrumental in redefining U.S. citizenship. It granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves, and promised all citizens “equal protection of the laws.”

Despite the 14th Amendment’s clear intentions, its promises remained unfulfilled for nearly a century, particularly for African Americans who continued to face systemic discrimination and segregation. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a monumental step towards enforcing the amendment more effectively. This landmark legislation aimed to dismantle the institutional barriers that had perpetuated racial inequality in the United States for decades.

The Act addressed segregation and discrimination in multiple aspects of American life, including voting rights, public accommodations, public education, and employment. It outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, providing a legal framework to challenge segregation and discriminatory practices. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was not just a legal milestone; it also represented a major victory for the civil rights movement and a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice. Its passage marked a significant shift in the social and political landscape of the United States, laying the groundwork for further civil rights advancements in the years to come.