4. Respond to parts a, b, and c.
a. Briefly describe one major social or cultural change in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
b. Explain how the Civil Rights Movement contributed to or was influenced by the social change you described in part a.
c. Briefly discuss one significant piece of legislation or Supreme Court decision from the same era that supported the goals of the Civil Rights Movement.
Sample Perfect Answer:
b.) The Civil Rights Movement played a pivotal role in driving the social change of the 1960s and 1970s. It was a catalyst for addressing deeply ingrained racial injustices in American society. As the movement gained momentum, it brought national attention to the systemic racism and discrimination African Americans faced. Iconic events like the March on Washington and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 contributed to public awareness and the passing of key legislation, which aimed to dismantle segregation and protect civil rights. The Civil Rights Movement both contributed to and was influenced by the broader social and cultural changes of this era, fostering greater racial equality.
c.) One significant piece of legislation from the same era that supported the goals of the Civil Rights Movement is the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This landmark legislation aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, especially in the South, where African Americans faced systemic barriers to voting. The act outlawed literacy tests, poll taxes, and other tactics used to disenfranchise Black voters. It also empowered the federal government to oversee voting practices in jurisdictions with a history of discrimination. The Voting Rights Act significantly advanced the cause of civil rights by ensuring that African Americans could exercise their right to vote, thus increasing their political influence and representation.
How These Answers Earn a Perfect Score:
The provided answer effectively addresses all three parts of the prompt in alignment with APUSH scoring standards:
Part a: The response provides a clear and accurate description of one major social and cultural change in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s: the Civil Rights Movement. It mentions key elements of the movement, such as protests and nonviolent civil disobedience, and highlights its aim to secure equal rights and opportunities for African Americans and marginalized groups. The response demonstrates a solid understanding of the topic and directly addresses the question. It would likely receive a full score.
Part b: The response effectively explains how the Civil Rights Movement contributed to or was influenced by the social change described in part a. It acknowledges the movement’s role in challenging racial injustices and promoting awareness. Additionally, it mentions iconic events like the March on Washington and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as examples of the movement’s impact and its contribution to broader social and cultural changes. The response is well-structured and directly addresses the question. It would likely receive a full score.
Part c: The response discusses a significant piece of legislation from the same era that supported the goals of the Civil Rights Movement: the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It provides a clear and concise description of the act’s objectives and impact, mentioning its role in eliminating racial discrimination in voting, particularly in the South. The response correctly identifies key provisions of the act and its importance in ensuring African Americans’ right to vote and to political representation. It is well-structured and directly addresses the question. It would likely receive a full score.
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