Civil Rights During Reconstruction! Trivia Facts Quiz

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  • 1/25 Questions

    Which of the following is an example of segregation?

    • Refusing to ride on city bus
    • Forcing African Americans to attend different schools other than whites
    • Taking lands from Native Americans
    • Leading a rally for African American voters
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About This Quiz

Explore key events and figures in the Civil Rights Movement during the Reconstruction era through this trivia quiz. Assess your knowledge on segregation laws, influential protests, and landmark legal decisions that shaped American civil rights.

Civil Rights During Reconstruction! Trivia Facts Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    How did the 13th Amendment change  the US Constitution?

    • Ended the Civil War

    • Ended slavery

    • Ended the spread of the Republican party

    • Ended the movement of Northerners into the Southern states

    Correct Answer
    A. Ended slavery
    Explanation
    The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution brought about a significant change by ending slavery. This amendment abolished the institution of slavery and involuntary servitude, ensuring that no person shall be held as a slave within the United States. It marked a crucial milestone in the nation's history, providing legal protection against the ownership and exploitation of individuals based on their race or ethnicity. The 13th Amendment played a vital role in the abolitionist movement and the fight for civil rights, ultimately shaping the future of the United States.

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  • 3. 

    Rosa Parks protested the law that...

    • Prevented African Americans from riding the same buses

    • Prevented African Americans from riding city buses

    • Refused African Americans the right to attend school with white students

    • Required African Americans and whites to sit in separate sections of city buses

    Correct Answer
    A. Required African Americans and whites to sit in separate sections of city buses
    Explanation
    Rosa Parks protested the law that required African Americans and whites to sit in separate sections of city buses. This law enforced racial segregation and discrimination by mandating separate seating arrangements based on skin color. Parks' act of defiance in refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Her protest and subsequent arrest led to a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional.

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  • 4. 

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964...

    • Organized voter drives to bring out the African American vote

    • Made segregation illegal in the US and forbid unequal treatment

    • Created a form of nonviolent resistance for the Greensboro sit in

    • Organized the Freedom Riders

    Correct Answer
    A. Made segregation illegal in the US and forbid unequal treatment
    Explanation
    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made segregation illegal in the US and forbade unequal treatment. This landmark legislation was passed to address and rectify the widespread racial discrimination that African Americans faced in various aspects of their lives, such as employment, education, and public accommodations. It aimed to promote equality and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their race, were afforded the same rights and opportunities. The act was a significant step forward in the civil rights movement and played a crucial role in dismantling the legal framework of segregation and discrimination in the United States.

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  • 5. 

    Poll taxes and literacy tests...

    • Kept many African Americans from voting

    • Encouraged civil rights leaders

    • Helped women to get the right to vote

    • Were approved by the Supreme Court

    Correct Answer
    A. Kept many African Americans from voting
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "kept many African Americans from voting." Poll taxes and literacy tests were used as discriminatory tactics to prevent African Americans from exercising their right to vote. These measures were implemented in the southern states during the Jim Crow era and were specifically designed to disenfranchise African American voters. By imposing financial and educational requirements, many African Americans were effectively excluded from participating in the democratic process. These discriminatory practices were eventually abolished with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

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  • 6. 

    Four students went to a Greensboro lunch counter and demanded to be served at a white-only lunch counter. What type of protest did they carry out?

    • Massive resistance

    • Boycott

    • Sit in

    • Freedom Ride

    Correct Answer
    A. Sit in
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "sit in". The four students engaged in a sit-in protest, where they peacefully occupied seats at a white-only lunch counter, demanding to be served. This form of protest was a nonviolent way to challenge racial segregation and discrimination, commonly used during the Civil Rights Movement. By sitting in at the lunch counter, they aimed to draw attention to the unjust treatment and inequality faced by African Americans.

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  • 7. 

    Marches, sit-ins, and boycotts are examples of...

    • Civil rights

    • Massive resistance

    • Nonviolent forms of protest

    • Freedom events

    Correct Answer
    A. Nonviolent forms of protest
    Explanation
    Marches, sit-ins, and boycotts are all examples of nonviolent forms of protest. These actions involve peaceful demonstrations and acts of resistance to bring attention to social or political issues. By organizing marches, individuals can gather in large numbers to show solidarity and demand change. Sit-ins involve occupying a space, often a public area, to draw attention to an issue or demand action. Boycotts involve refusing to support or engage with a particular company or product as a form of protest. These nonviolent methods are used to peacefully advocate for civil rights and bring about social change.

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  • 8. 

    Which way were African Americans kept down in the struggle for better rights during Reconstruction?

    • Poll Taxes

    • Literacy Tests

    • Black Codes

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    During Reconstruction, African Americans were kept down in the struggle for better rights through various means. Poll taxes were imposed, requiring individuals to pay a fee in order to vote, which disproportionately affected African Americans who often couldn't afford it. Literacy tests were used to prevent African Americans from voting by requiring them to pass a difficult reading and writing test, which many were unable to do due to limited access to education. Black Codes were laws that restricted the rights and freedoms of African Americans, including their ability to own property, work certain jobs, and move freely. Therefore, all of the options mentioned (poll taxes, literacy tests, and Black Codes) were ways in which African Americans were suppressed during Reconstruction.

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  • 9. 

    The best working definition of Reconstruction would be...

    • Reorganizing

    • Refusing

    • Reuniting

    • Rebuilding

    Correct Answer
    A. Rebuilding
    Explanation
    Reconstruction refers to the process of rebuilding or reconstructing something that has been damaged or destroyed. It involves restoring or repairing the infrastructure, institutions, or systems that were affected. In the context of American history, Reconstruction specifically refers to the period after the Civil War when the United States government aimed to rebuild the Southern states and integrate former slaves into society. Therefore, "rebuilding" is the best working definition of Reconstruction as it accurately captures the essence of the term.

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  • 10. 

    The Black Codes...

    • Asked the Southern states to employ all African Americans

    • Asked the Southern states to give an education to all people living in their home state

    • Treated African Americans as second class citizens and placed restrictions on daily life

    • African Americans were given permission to move to the North to find jobs

    Correct Answer
    A. Treated African Americans as second class citizens and placed restrictions on daily life
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the Black Codes treated African Americans as second class citizens and placed restrictions on their daily life. The Black Codes were a series of laws enacted by Southern states after the Civil War to control and oppress African Americans. These laws aimed to maintain white supremacy by denying African Americans basic civil rights and liberties. They restricted their freedom of movement, limited their employment opportunities, and denied them access to education, voting rights, and other privileges enjoyed by white citizens. These discriminatory laws reinforced racial inequality and perpetuated systemic racism in the United States.

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  • 11. 

    Which amendment gave citizenship to African Americans?

    • Amendment 1

    • Amendment 10

    • Amendment 15

    • Amendment 14

    Correct Answer
    A. Amendment 14
    Explanation
    Amendment 14 gave citizenship to African Americans. This amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. It also provided equal protection under the law and due process rights to all citizens, regardless of race. This amendment was a significant step towards ensuring civil rights and equality for African Americans in the United States.

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  • 12. 

    For what reason did Andrew Johnson's Reconstruction plan not work well for African Americans?

    • The plan did not focus on helping African American adjust to their new lives in the South

    • Black Codes were passed in the South during his plan, which treated African Americans as second class citizens

    • He tried to get rid of the Freedmen's Bureau

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    Andrew Johnson's Reconstruction plan did not work well for African Americans because it did not prioritize assisting them in adapting to their new lives in the South. Additionally, Black Codes were implemented during his plan, which treated African Americans as inferior citizens. Furthermore, Johnson attempted to eliminate the Freedmen's Bureau, which provided support and resources for newly freed slaves. Therefore, all of the above reasons contribute to why Andrew Johnson's Reconstruction plan failed to benefit African Americans.

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  • 13. 

    The Reconstruction Act that was passed by Congress...

    • Stopped the actions of the Freedmen's Bureau

    • Replaced Johnson's 10 percent plan

    • The former Confederate states were returned to military districts until new constitutions were made, passed the 14th amendment, and gave freedmen the right to vote

    • Was part of the 14th amendment

    Correct Answer
    A. The former Confederate states were returned to military districts until new constitutions were made, passed the 14th amendment, and gave freedmen the right to vote
    Explanation
    The Reconstruction Act that was passed by Congress involved the former Confederate states being placed under military districts until they created new constitutions. Additionally, the act included the passing of the 14th amendment, which granted freedmen the right to vote. This answer accurately summarizes the key components of the Reconstruction Act and its impact on the former Confederate states.

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  • 14. 

    What did some Americans conclude about race relations after the violence in Selma Alabama in 1965?

    • They were horrified at the violence that was being broadcast on national tv and realized that something needed to be done

    • They were aware of the violence and were still undecided what to do about civil rights

    • The protest had been a peaceful protest--- the attack on the protest group as they marched was violent and most were shocked by this event

    • Both and A and C

    Correct Answer
    A. Both and A and C
    Explanation
    After witnessing the violence in Selma, Alabama in 1965 on national TV, some Americans concluded that they were horrified by the violence and realized that action needed to be taken. Additionally, they were aware that the protest had been peaceful, but the attack on the protest group during their march was violent, which shocked many individuals. Therefore, the correct answer is both A and C.

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  • 15. 

    The 24th Amendment did which of the following?

    • Gave women the right to vote

    • Ordered the federal government to return all land back to Native Americans

    • Helped African Americans gain voting rights by outlawing poll taxes

    • Ordered schools to provide bilingual education

    Correct Answer
    A. Helped African Americans gain voting rights by outlawing poll taxes
    Explanation
    The 24th Amendment helped African Americans gain voting rights by outlawing poll taxes. Poll taxes were fees that were required to be paid in order to vote, which disproportionately affected African Americans and other minority groups. By eliminating these poll taxes, the 24th Amendment removed a significant barrier to voting for African Americans and helped to ensure their right to participate in the democratic process.

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  • 16. 

    After WWII, the Holocaust had drawn world wide attention to what horrors?

    • Racism

    • Segregation

    • Massive resistance

    • Violent protests

    Correct Answer
    A. Racism
    Explanation
    After WWII, the Holocaust drew worldwide attention to the horrors of racism. The systematic genocide of six million Jews by the Nazis highlighted the extreme consequences of racial discrimination and intolerance. The Holocaust served as a stark reminder of the dangers of prejudice and the urgent need to combat racism in all its forms.

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  • 17. 

    Most civil rights protests occurred in what location?

    • Washington DC

    • The Southern States

    • Voting polls

    • Supreme Court hearings

    Correct Answer
    A. The Southern States
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the Southern States. This is because the civil rights movement in the United States was primarily focused on achieving equal rights for African Americans in the Southern States, where racial segregation and discrimination were most prevalent. The Southern States were the epicenter of major protests, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Selma to Montgomery marches, which played a significant role in advancing the civil rights cause.

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  • 18. 

    What was the main purpose of the March on Washington?

    • Protest for better jobs and rights

    • Protest for better education for all

    • Meeting of all the leaders of the movement and he gave a speech there

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Protest for better jobs and rights
    Explanation
    The main purpose of the March on Washington was to protest for better jobs and rights. This event, which took place on August 28, 1963, was organized by civil rights leaders to advocate for economic equality and an end to racial discrimination. It was during this march that Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, calling for an end to racial segregation and injustice. The march aimed to bring attention to the struggles faced by African Americans and to push for legislative changes that would secure their rights and improve their socio-economic conditions.

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  • 19. 

    Which amendment gave the right to vote to African American men?

    • Amendment 15

    • Amendment 14

    • Amendment 13

    • Amendment 10

    Correct Answer
    A. Amendment 15
    Explanation
    Amendment 15 gave the right to vote to African American men. This amendment, ratified in 1870, states that the right to vote cannot be denied or abridged based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It was a significant step towards ensuring equal voting rights for all citizens, particularly African Americans who had been systematically denied this right during the era of slavery and its aftermath.

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  • 20. 

    Freedom Summer was an effort to...

    • Invite women into the workforce and find jobs

    • Help Native Americans find work and better careers

    • Help African American voters in Southern states

    • Minorities in NC

    Correct Answer
    A. Help African American voters in Southern states
    Explanation
    Freedom Summer was a historic civil rights campaign that took place in 1964. It aimed to help African American voters in Southern states exercise their right to vote. The campaign focused on increasing voter registration among African Americans, providing education and training on voting rights, and organizing Freedom Schools to empower the community. The goal was to challenge the discriminatory practices and laws that prevented African Americans from fully participating in the democratic process.

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  • 21. 

    Martin Luther King Jr. gained national attention during what key event?

    • March on Washington

    • Montgomery Bus Boycott

    • Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case

    • Greensboro Sit in

    Correct Answer
    A. Montgomery Bus Boycott
    Explanation
    During the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a prominent leader and gained national attention. The boycott was a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement, lasting for 381 days and resulting in the desegregation of the Montgomery bus system. King's role in organizing and leading the boycott showcased his commitment to nonviolent resistance and his ability to mobilize a community for a common cause. This event marked a turning point in King's career and set the stage for his future leadership in the fight for racial equality.

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  • 22. 

    The event known as the "Little Rock Nine" - African American students were admitted to Central High School in Arkansas after...

    • The nine students held a sit in at the high school

    • Parents protested and took case to the local school board

    • President Eisenhower sent in National Guard troops in order to provide safe passage for students into the school

    • MLK protested the actions of the school

    Correct Answer
    A. President Eisenhower sent in National Guard troops in order to provide safe passage for students into the school
    Explanation
    President Eisenhower sent in National Guard troops in order to provide safe passage for students into the school. This action was taken in response to the violent opposition and threats faced by the African American students, known as the "Little Rock Nine," when they were admitted to Central High School in Arkansas. The presence of National Guard troops was intended to ensure the safety and protection of the students as they entered and attended the school, allowing them to exercise their right to an education without fear of harm or discrimination.

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  • 23. 

    The main concept behind the Jim Crow Laws...

    • Separate but equal facilities for African Americans and whites

    • Same facilities provided for African Americans and whites

    • All were equal under the law

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Separate but equal facilities for African Americans and whites
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "separate but equal facilities for African Americans and whites." The Jim Crow Laws were a series of state and local laws enacted in the United States between the 1870s and 1960s. These laws enforced racial segregation and discrimination, particularly in the Southern states. Under the Jim Crow Laws, African Americans and whites were legally required to use separate facilities, such as schools, transportation, and public spaces, but these facilities were supposed to be "equal" in quality. However, in reality, the facilities provided for African Americans were often inferior and unequal to those provided for whites, perpetuating racial inequality and discrimination.

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  • 24. 

    President Johnson was impeached, which means he was...

    • Elected to political office

    • Removed from political office

    • Convicted of crimes

    • Accused of wrong doing

    Correct Answer
    A. Accused of wrong doing
    Explanation
    President Johnson was impeached, which means he was accused of wrongdoing. Impeachment is a formal process in which a high-ranking government official, such as a president, is accused of committing an offense or misconduct while in office. It does not necessarily imply guilt or removal from office, but rather serves as a means to investigate and potentially hold the official accountable for any alleged wrongdoing.

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  • 25. 

    What was the main concept of the ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896?

    • Separate but equal

    • Equality for all

    • Equality in education

    • Freedom for all

    Correct Answer
    A. Separate but equal
    Explanation
    The main concept of the ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896 was the idea of "separate but equal." This ruling upheld racial segregation, stating that as long as the separate facilities provided for different races were equal in quality, it did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of equal protection under the law. This concept allowed for the continued segregation and discrimination against African Americans for several decades until it was eventually overturned by the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.

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  • Jun 13, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Mar 17, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Michelle BYRD

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