Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

What significant effect did Brown v. Board of Education have on American society?

1. It upheld segregation laws.

2. It mandated desegregation in schools.

3. It limited voting rights.

4. It expanded federal powers over states.

The correct answer is: It mandated desegregation in schools.

The landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education had a profound impact on American society as it mandated desegregation in public schools. This Supreme Court decision, issued in 1954, declared that racial segregation in public schools was inherently unequal, and therefore unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The court's unanimous ruling effectively reversed the precedent established by Plessy v. Ferguson, which allowed for "separate but equal" facilities. By mandating desegregation, this ruling not only shaped the landscape of education in the United States but also served as a catalyst for the broader civil rights movement. It challenged the systemic racism embedded in various institutions and inspired efforts to combat segregation across various public spheres, including transportation, housing, and voting rights. This ruling underscored the importance of equality and set a legal foundation for future civil rights advancements, emphasizing that segregation was not just a social norm but a violation of fundamental constitutional principles.