Question

question 9 of 10

what is an example of how president reagan scaled back the federal governments commitment to civil rights?

a. he asked the supreme court to declare the federal governments commitment to upholding civil rights unconstitutional.

b. he appointed federal judges who supported the naacps views on the governments commitment to upholding civil rights.

c. he appointed federal judges who supported his belief that the federal governments commitment to upholding civil rights should be limited.

d. he asked the supreme court to step in and overturn legislation passed by congress that upheld the governments commitment to civil rights.

Explanation:

Analyze the question prompt

The question asks for an example of how President Ronald Reagan scaled back the federal government's commitment to civil rights.

Evaluate the historical context

Using the Civil Rights Backlash knowledge point:
During his presidency, Ronald Reagan sought to reduce the scope of federal intervention in domestic affairs, including civil rights enforcement. A key strategy to achieve this long-term policy shift was through the judicial branch. By appointing conservative federal judges who favored judicial restraint and a limited role for the federal government in enforcing civil rights mandates, his administration successfully scaled back federal civil rights commitments.

Assess the given options

• Option A is historically inaccurate; Reagan did not formally ask the Supreme Court to declare the entire federal commitment to civil rights unconstitutional.
• Option B is incorrect because the NAACP advocated for strong federal enforcement of civil rights, which conflicted with Reagan's conservative judicial philosophy.
• Option C is correct. Reagan appointed conservative judges to federal courts who shared his philosophy of limiting federal power, including federal civil rights enforcement.
• Option D is incorrect as it mischaracterizes the administration's direct legal actions and interactions with the Supreme Court regarding congressional legislation.

Answer:

• A. He asked the Supreme Court to declare the federal government's commitment to upholding civil rights unconstitutional.
• B. He appointed federal judges who supported the NAACP's views on the government's commitment to upholding civil rights.
• C. He appointed federal judges who supported his belief that the federal government's commitment to upholding civil rights should be limited. (Correct answer)
• D. He asked the Supreme Court to step in and overturn legislation passed by Congress that upheld the government's commitment to civil rights.