Other
American Civil Liberties Union: Constitution Day Activities
Six activities teach students about the U.S. Constitution. Learn about checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, some of the history of the document, and how each of the states became a state. The site also provides teacher resources,...
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Civil Rights Act of 1866
The purpose of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 was to protect ex-slaves (Freedmen) from legislation in the Southern States such as the Black Codes and the Vagrancy Laws and help African Americans obtain equal status under the law.
US House of Representatives
History, Art, and Archives: Us House of Representatives: Legislative Interests
The goals of third generation congresswomen were aimed at creating opportunities for women in education and the workplace. Women members continued to play a prominent part in legislation on diverse national concerns, ranging from Cold...
US House of Representatives
History, Art, and Archives: Legislative Interests and Achievements
Women in Congress had an impact on every critical piece of legislation during the Depression through the Cold War. Examine their impact in Congress during these decades in the following summary of legislative achievements.
US National Archives
Nara: Martha Griffiths and the Equal Rights Amendment
A good look at the way the Equal Rights Amendment moved through Congress. Find images of the discharge petition and joint resolution
Other
Finding Dulcina: Strom Thurmond Ends Longest Filibuster in Senate History
Read about Senator Strom Thurmond's epic filibuster in an attempt to forestall the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957. There is a brief biography of Thurmond and his political life, as well as information about the use of the...
George Mason University
George Mason University: Civil Rights Act of March 1, 1875
This is an abridged version of the Civil Rights Act of March 1, 1875, with brief commentary. The Act was later declared unconstitutional
Other
Jewish Women's Archive: Women of Valor: Bella Abzug
Check out this fascinating in-depth biography of Bella Abzug (1920-1998 CE), a civil rights activist and women's advocate elected to congress. Provides links to pictures, a timeline, and many personal narratives.
Curated OER
History Matters: "And We Shall Overcome": Johnson's Special Message to Congress
Read President Lyndon B. Johnson's speech before the the Congress in support of the Voting Rights Act. Feel the passion in his address and his desire to further racial equality.
Free Management Library
Employee Law: Civil Rights Act of 1964
This site contains the original text of the legislation, with related links.
Digital History
Digital History: The Tumultous 1960's
The decade of the 1960s was a time of protest about the Vietnam War and civil rights, and progressive legislation addressing many problems. Find primary source material, charts, and statistics that cover these topics. Included are...
Digital History
Digital History: The Great Society and the Drive for Black Equality
Read about President Lyndon Johnson's vision for the Great Society. See how the programs instituted were focused on lifting the poor from poverty, especially African Americans. Included were laws to increase civil rights and voting...
Digital History
Digital History: Feminism Reborn
This comprehensive survey of the women's movement during the 1960s and 1970s documents women and politics, women's wages, legal discrimination against women, stereotypes of women, women's rights legislation, and women's rights...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Documenting Brown: The Fourteenth Amendment
The background essay provided in this lesson plan on the later ramifications of the 14th Amendment explains the Congressional legislation of all types during Reconstruction. Click on the 'View' button to read the Amendment.
Digital History
Digital History: The Equal Rights Amendment
In 1972, Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution. The ERA subsequently failed to be ratified by the necessary number of states and was never added to the Constitution.
Library of Congress
Loc: African American Odyssey: Sit Ins, Freedom Rides, and Demonstrations
The Civil Rights Era explores African American history in the 1960s, the fight against racial discrimination and segregation, and the search for justice through "freedom rides," boycotts, sit-ins, legislation, and marches.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow: Voting Then, Voting Now
This site explores the voting experiences for African Americans beginning in the Jim Crow era. It shares literacy tests African Americans had to take and other challenges they were given for the right to vote. This denial of the right to...
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: March on Washington
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place on August 28, 1963, with the purpose of making demands for civil rights legislation and the elimination of racial segregation in public schools and jobs.
Other
Dirksen Congressional Center: Congressional Timeline
The title does not give this site its just due. This is an amazing site that provides information on every Congress beginning with the 73rd (1933-35). The timeline features "partisan composition, the presidential administration, a list...
Other
Center for Democracy and Technology
A public interest organization working for public policies that advance civil liberties and democratic values in information technologies. Contains links to information on free speech, data privacy, wiretapping, and cryptography.
Other
Black Baltimore 1870 1920: The Fifteenth Amendment Parade and Celebration
Contains a great picture and description of the Fifteenth Amendment parade that was held in Baltimore, to emphasize its importance. Provides links to other civil rights articles.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: Truman Announces Fair Deal Program January 5, 1949
President Harry S. Truman presented his ideas for a Fair Deal in his State of the Union address in 1949. Read about his plans for extending the progressive legislation that had its start in Roosevelt's New Deal. Find out what passed,...
OpenStax
Open Stax: Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal 1932 1941: The Second New Deal
Examines the legislation enacted under Roosevelt's Second New Deal, and how the New Deal as a whole affected women, African Americans, and Native Americans.
US Department of State
America.gov: Government of the People: The Role of the Citizen
A chapter taken from the U.S. State Department's "Outline of U.S. Government," that focuses on the foundation of American representative democracy. Provides comparison with other democracies, along with the essential role of the U.S....