Question

1869 1969 2012
african-americans in congress 3 11 43
percentage of congress members 0.9% 2.0% 7.9%
what conclusion can you draw about the effects of civil rights legislation?

• participation of african-americans in government increased.
• african-american participation remained unchanged.
• the laws had little effect on african-american voters.
• congress became less diverse.

Explanation:

To determine the conclusion, analyze the table: African - Americans in Congress went from 3 (1869) to 11 (1969) to 43 (2012), and the percentage of Congress members from 0.9% to 2.0% to 7.9%. This shows an upward trend in African - American participation in government. The second option is wrong as participation changed. The third is wrong as the data shows an effect. The fourth is wrong as diversity (due to more African - American participation) increased, not decreased.

Answer:

A. Participation of African - Americans in government increased.