What was the rationale for the Supreme Court's decision in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) that upheld the constitutionality of a state law requiring segregated railroad facilities?
A. Former slaves are not entitled to full citizenship rights because they did not immigrate to the United States willingly.
B. Former slaves are not entitled to full citizenship rights because they were considered property under the law.
C. The Constitution does not prohibit segregation; it only mandates equal protection under the law.
D. Railroad transportation involves interstate commerce, which is regulated by Congress; there is no provision in federal law that prohibits segregation.
Answer: C
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Which best describes the Texas judicial system?
A) Simplistic and straightforward B) Punitive and easily comprehensible C) Restrictive and corrupt D) Predatory and vindictive E) Complicated and confusing
Which of the following factors played the most important role in the elimination of at-large election systems in many Texas cities?
a) a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court holding that at-large elections are unconstitutional b) the passage of a law by the Texas legislature requiring cities to use district elections rather than at-large election systems c) the application of the federal Voting Rights Act to city elections d) a ruling by the Texas Supreme Court that at-large election systems violate the Texas Constitution e) decision by cities to maximize the votes of white voters.