How did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 impact federal government actions?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 significantly impacted federal government actions by increasing activism in the pursuit of civil rights. This landmark legislation aimed to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and it provided a strong federal framework to enforce these rights.

Following the passage of the Act, the federal government became more proactive in addressing civil rights violations. It empowered the federal government to enforce desegregation in schools and public facilities, as well as to investigate and prosecute discrimination in employment and voting. The Act also established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which further facilitated federal involvement in ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.

The activism spurred by this legislation reflected a broader commitment to civil rights and indicated a shift in how the federal government approached social justice issues, leading to more vigorous enforcement of civil rights laws across the nation. This contrasts with the other options, which either imply a reduction in federal action or the separation of responsibilities, which were not characteristics of the post-1964 environment.