John F. Kennedy & Civil Rights

What fundamental principle did John F. Kennedy state the nation was founded upon?

• The pursuit of economic prosperity for all.

• The right to bear arms for self-defense.

• The idea that all men are created equal.

• The importance of states' rights over federal law.

What was President John F. Kennedy trying to get people to support in his speech?

• Support for Civil Rights/ Equality for African Americans

• Support for military expansion in the ongoing cold war against the Soviet Union

• Funding for public education to help NASA and the future of the Space Race

• Investment in renewable energy

What did John F. Kennedy propose in the Civil Rights Act?

• To promote prohibit racial discrimination in restaurants, hotels, and stores.

• To outlaw Lynching, the Klu Klux Klan, and Literacy tests

• To limit voting rights for minorities including sharecropping

• To increase funding for public schools

How would the Civil Rights Act affect states?

• The Civil Rights Movement encouraged states to maintain segregation laws.
• States were allowed to ignore federal mandates regarding civil rights.
• The Civil Rights Movement had no impact on state laws or practices.
• The Civil Rights Movement required states to follow federal law integrating schools.

How did President Kennedy's administration attempt to build support for the proposed Civil Rights Bill?

• By holding private White House meetings with diverse groups from across the country.

• By issuing executive orders to bypass congressional approval.

• By publicly denouncing all opposition to the bill.

• By organizing large-scale public rallies and demonstrations.

How would the Southern Democrats react to Kennedy's proposed Civil Rights Act?