Commission on Civil Rights

Definition

The Commission on Civil Rights is a U.S. federal agency established in 1957 to investigate and report on civil rights issues, advising Congress and the President on matters of discrimination and equality. This commission was pivotal in highlighting the injustices faced by minority groups and played a crucial role in shaping civil rights legislation during the 1960s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Commission on Civil Rights was created as a response to the growing civil rights movement and the increasing awareness of racial discrimination in the United States.
2. One of its key reports, 'To Secure These Rights,' published in 1947, laid out the need for comprehensive civil rights legislation.
3. The commission has played an important advisory role, influencing several major civil rights laws by highlighting issues such as segregation and disenfranchisement.
4. Members of the commission include both political appointees and individuals from various backgrounds, reflecting a diverse perspective on civil rights issues.
5. Over the years, the commission has investigated various topics, including housing discrimination, police misconduct, and voting access, consistently advocating for equal treatment under the law.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Commission on Civil Rights influence the civil rights movement in America?
  • The establishment of the Commission on Civil Rights significantly influenced the civil rights movement by providing an official platform to investigate and document instances of racial discrimination. Its reports raised awareness about injustices and informed lawmakers about the urgent need for reform. The commission's findings helped galvanize public support for civil rights legislation, leading to critical laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• In what ways did the Commission on Civil Rights contribute to the passage of key civil rights legislation during the 1960s?
  • The Commission on Civil Rights contributed to key civil rights legislation by producing detailed reports that highlighted systemic discrimination and proposed legislative solutions. For example, its findings on voting rights provided compelling evidence that helped lead to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. By continuously advising Congress and raising public consciousness around civil rights issues, the commission effectively shaped legislative priorities during a transformative period in American history.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Commission on Civil Rights on contemporary discussions regarding race and equality in America.
  • The long-term impact of the Commission on Civil Rights can be seen in contemporary discussions about race and equality as it laid a foundation for ongoing advocacy against discrimination. Its emphasis on fact-based investigations established a model for how civil rights issues are analyzed and addressed today. The commission's work continues to resonate as modern movements challenge systemic inequalities, underscoring the importance of federal oversight and accountability in promoting civil rights for all citizens.

Related terms

Civil Rights Act of 1964:

A landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, providing a major legal framework for civil rights in the United States.

Voting Rights Act of 1965:

A significant law aimed at eliminating various forms of voting discrimination against African Americans, ensuring their right to vote was protected.

NAACP:

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a civil rights organization founded in 1909 that works to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure equal rights for all individuals.