Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 accomplish?

1. It ensured equal voting rights

2. It prohibited discrimination in public accommodations

3. It dealt with housing and real estate discrimination

4. It desegregated public schools for the first time

The correct answer is: It prohibited discrimination in public accommodations

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation that primarily aimed to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. One of its critical provisions was the prohibition of discrimination in public accommodations. This meant that places such as hotels, restaurants, theaters, and other entities serving the public could not deny service or access based on the aforementioned characteristics. This was a significant step in asserting the rights of individuals and ensuring that all people, regardless of their background, could access public facilities and services without facing discrimination. While ensuring equal voting rights is also vital, that specific aim was addressed primarily through the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Housing and real estate discrimination were tackled more directly with the Fair Housing Act of 1968, and desegregation of public schools had already started prior to the Civil Rights Act, particularly following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954. Thus, the correct answer highlights a key achievement of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the context of public accommodations and civil rights enforcement.