What was the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on federalism?

The Civil Rights Movement had a significant impact on the federalism structure in the United States by prompting the federal government to enact legislation that directly addressed and overruled state laws enforcing segregation and discrimination. This marked a clear example of federal authority asserting itself over state authority in order to uphold civil rights.

The movement highlighted the failures of state laws to protect the rights of individuals, particularly African Americans, leading to landmark federal laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These pieces of legislation not only prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin but also enforced voting rights, showcasing the federal government's commitment to ensuring civil rights for all citizens.

In the context of federalism, this assertive federal action demonstrated a shift where federal power was utilized to enforce civil rights standards nationwide, superseding state laws that were discriminatory. As a result, the Civil Rights Movement ultimately reinforced the role of the federal government as a protector of individual rights, particularly when states failed to uphold those rights. This shift is crucial to understanding the dynamic relationship between state and federal power in the United States.