Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a broad piece of legislation in the United States aimed at eliminating inequality and discrimination in the workplace, in schools, in public spaces, in federally funded programs, and in voting and civic behavior. The act remains one of the most far-reaching laws in U.S. history and affected millions of people at the time of its passage. It was originally sent to Congress by President Kennedy but was not signed into law until July 2, 1964, by President Lyndon Johnson. Congress enacted the act using its power to regulate interstate commerce. The act is considered by many to be the most extensive, significant, and consequential piece of domestically focused legislation ever passed in the United States. The passage of ...