Did you know?
Did you know that the constitutional claim of national authority to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was based on the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution? The Commerce Clause grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, and it was argued that racial discrimination in public accommodations affected interstate commerce by impeding travel and commerce across state lines. This constitutional claim allowed for the federal government's intervention in enforcing civil rights and ending segregation in various establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and theaters. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark legislation that aimed to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, marking a significant step forward in the fight for equality and civil rights in the United States.