Florida Broker Practice Exam

What type of discrimination does the Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibit?

1. Gender discrimination

2. Racial discrimination

3. Age discrimination

4. Economic discrimination

The correct answer is: Racial discrimination

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 specifically prohibits racial discrimination. This landmark legislation was pivotal in affirming the rights of all citizens to own property and enter into contracts regardless of race. It was enacted in the aftermath of the Civil War to address the injustices faced by formerly enslaved individuals. The Act asserts that all persons shall have the same right to make and enforce contracts as is enjoyed by white citizens, thereby establishing a significant legal foundation against racial discrimination. While the Act is a crucial piece of civil rights legislation, it does not extend to gender, age, or economic discrimination, which are governed by other laws and statutes that came into effect later. For instance, gender discrimination is primarily addressed through the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, while age discrimination is addressed by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and economic discrimination issues have different legal frameworks. This context helps in understanding the specific focus of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 on racial equality.