Civil Rights Movement Quiz! Trivia Test

1.

Who was Thurgood Marshall?

A.

The first African American to be accepted to college
B.

The man who defended Linda Brown's right to attend a white school, and later the first African American nominated to the Supreme Court.
C.

An African American man who led the Little Rock 9 to school in 1957.
D.

A famous African American author and poet during the Civil Rights Movement.

Correct Answer
B. The man who defended Linda Brown's right to attend a white school, and later the first African American nominated to the Supreme Court.

Explanation
Thurgood Marshall is known for his role as the lawyer who defended Linda Brown's right to attend a white school in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education. He successfully argued that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Later, he became the first African American to be nominated and serve as a Supreme Court Justice.

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2.

What is the term that describes separating based on race?

Correct Answer
segregation

Explanation
Segregation is the term that describes separating individuals based on race. It refers to the practice of enforcing the physical separation of different racial groups in various aspects of life, such as housing, education, and public facilities. This separation is often accompanied by the denial of equal rights and opportunities to certain racial groups, resulting in social, economic, and political inequalities. Segregation has been a significant issue throughout history, particularly during periods of racial discrimination and oppression.

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3.

Which Supreme Court case ordered that all schools be open to African Americans?

Correct Answer
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown vs the Board of Education

Explanation
Brown v. Board of Education, also known as Brown vs the Board of Education, is the correct answer to the question. This landmark Supreme Court case, decided in 1954, ordered that all schools be open to African Americans. The case challenged the doctrine of "separate but equal" established in Plessy v. Ferguson and declared that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The decision of the Court in Brown v. Board of Education played a crucial role in the civil rights movement and paved the way for desegregation in education and other areas of American society.

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4.

Who was the woman that refused to give up her seat on a public bus for a white man?

Correct Answer
Rosa Parks

Explanation
Rosa Parks was a prominent civil rights activist who became an iconic figure in the fight against racial segregation. In 1955, she famously refused to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama, for a white man, which sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. Her act of defiance against racial discrimination and her subsequent arrest led to a wave of protests and ultimately contributed to the desegregation of public transportation.

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5.

This individual is one of the most infamous from the Civil Rights Movement, known for his peaceful protests and boycotts, including that in Montgomery.

Correct Answer
Martin Luther King Jr.

Explanation
Martin Luther King Jr. is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as one of the most prominent figures in the Civil Rights Movement. He advocated for nonviolent protests and played a crucial role in organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was a significant event in the movement. King's leadership and commitment to peaceful demonstrations made him an iconic figure in the fight for racial equality and justice.

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6.

Which law prohibited discrimination because of race, religion, national origin, and gender?

Correct Answer
Civil Rights Act of 1964

Explanation
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the correct answer because it is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, and gender. This law was enacted to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or characteristics. It is a landmark legislation in the United States that aimed to address and combat systemic discrimination and promote equality in various aspects of society, including employment, education, and public accommodations.

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7.

The Political Party created by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale to stop police brutality and support African Americans in developing their own communities.

Correct Answer
Black Panthers
The Black Panthers

Explanation
The correct answer is "Black Panthers" or "The Black Panthers." The Black Panthers was a political party founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale with the aim of combating police brutality and advocating for the rights of African Americans. They also sought to empower African American communities and promote self-sufficiency. The party gained attention for its community programs and armed patrols, which aimed to protect African Americans from police violence. The Black Panthers were influential in the civil rights movement and left a lasting impact on the fight for racial equality in the United States.

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8.

The year that changed the Civil Rights Movement as one leader was assassinated.

Correct Answer
1968

Explanation
In 1968, the Civil Rights Movement was significantly impacted by the assassination of one of its leaders. This event had a profound effect on the movement and marked a turning point in its history. The assassination not only caused shock and grief among activists, but also sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country. It brought attention to the ongoing struggle for racial equality and prompted renewed efforts to address systemic racism and discrimination. Therefore, 1968 is the correct answer as it represents a pivotal year in the Civil Rights Movement.

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9.

This Act eliminated the literacy test that disqualified voters.

Correct Answer
Voting Rights Act of 1965

Explanation
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted to eliminate the literacy test that was used to disqualify voters. This Act aimed to protect the voting rights of African Americans and other minority groups who were being systematically denied their right to vote through discriminatory practices such as literacy tests. By removing this requirement, the Act ensured that all citizens, regardless of their literacy level, could exercise their right to vote freely and without discrimination.

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10.

The type of segregation that is difficult to define or to fight, as it is more custom than actual law.

A.

De jure segregation
B.

De luche segregation
C.

De facto segregation
D.

De dube segregation
E.

Custom segregation

Correct Answer
C. De facto segregation

Explanation
De facto segregation refers to a type of segregation that is difficult to define or fight because it is based on customs and practices rather than explicit laws. Unlike de jure segregation, which is enforced through legal means, de facto segregation occurs due to social and economic factors that result in the separation of different racial or ethnic groups. It is often more subtle and harder to address as it is deeply ingrained in societal norms and attitudes.

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11.

Another leader of the Civil Rights Movement, this African American joined the "Nation of Islam" after his time in prison. He was later killed at the age of 39.

Correct Answer
Malcolm X

Explanation
Malcolm X was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement. After serving time in prison, he became a member of the "Nation of Islam," a religious and political organization advocating for the rights of African Americans. Malcolm X was known for his passionate speeches and advocacy for black empowerment and self-defense. Tragically, he was assassinated at the age of 39, leaving behind a legacy of activism and a commitment to racial equality.

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12.

This act banned discrimination in housing.

Correct Answer
Civil Rights Act of 1968

Explanation
The Civil Rights Act of 1968 is the correct answer because it banned discrimination in housing. This act, also known as the Fair Housing Act, was passed in response to widespread housing discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities. It made it illegal to refuse to sell or rent a dwelling to someone based on their race, color, religion, or national origin. The act also prohibited discriminatory practices such as steering, blockbusting, and redlining. Its purpose was to ensure equal access to housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or characteristics.

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13.

To help African Americans and others who had been discriminated against, the government created programs that promoted this... which made colleges and businesses make special efforts to hire or enroll groups who had suffered from discrimination in the past.

Correct Answer
affirmative action

Explanation
The government created affirmative action programs to help African Americans and other discriminated groups by promoting equal opportunities in colleges and businesses. These programs required colleges and businesses to make special efforts to hire or enroll individuals who had suffered from discrimination in the past. Affirmative action aimed to address historical disadvantages and promote diversity and equal representation in educational and professional settings.

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