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Landmark Civil Rights Decisions in the United States Quiz

#1

Which landmark case established the 'separate but equal' doctrine in the United States?

Plessy v. Ferguson
Explanation

Legalized racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

#2

In which year did the Supreme Court decide the case of Brown v. Board of Education?

1954
Explanation

Overturned 'separate but equal'; declared school segregation unconstitutional.

#3

Who was the plaintiff in the case of Gideon v. Wainwright?

Clarence Gideon
Explanation

Challenged lack of legal representation; right to appointed counsel.

#4

Which landmark case declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional?

Brown v. Board of Education
Explanation

Overturned segregation in public schools.

#5

Which amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery?

13th Amendment
Explanation

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

#6

Who was the lead attorney for the plaintiffs in the Brown v. Board of Education case?

Thurgood Marshall
Explanation

Argued against segregation; later became first African American Supreme Court justice.

#7

Which Civil Rights Act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

Civil Rights Act of 1964
Explanation

Prohibited discrimination in public places and employment.

#8

Which Supreme Court case ruled that state laws banning interracial marriage were unconstitutional?

Loving v. Virginia
Explanation

Invalidated laws banning interracial marriage; established right to marry regardless of race.

#9

Who was the chief justice of the United States during the Roe v. Wade decision?

Warren Burger
Explanation

Presided over the court during the landmark abortion rights case.

#10

Which landmark case upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine?

Plessy v. Ferguson
Explanation

Upheld racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

#11

In which case did the Supreme Court establish the 'one person, one vote' principle, requiring legislative districts to be roughly equal in population?

Baker v. Carr
Explanation

Ensured equal representation by population in legislative districts.

#12

In which case did the Supreme Court rule that the 'separate but equal' doctrine had no place in public education?

Brown v. Board of Education
Explanation

Declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

#13

Which landmark case ruled that the government's prosecution of an individual violated the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination?

Miranda v. Arizona
Explanation

Established rights of the accused during police interrogations.

#14

Who was the attorney representing the state of Alabama in the case of Gideon v. Wainwright?

Bruce Jacob
Explanation

Argued against the right to appointed counsel.

#15

In which case did the Supreme Court rule that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution?

Obergefell v. Hodges
Explanation

Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

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