Questions: Which of the following was used by Congress to justify its passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964? (1 point) the reserved powers found in the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution Congress's power to regulate interstate trade the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment the increased use of block grants to fund social welfare programs

The answer is: Congress's power to regulate interstate trade.

Explanation for each option:

1. The reserved powers found in the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution:

   • Incorrect. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers to the states or the people that are not delegated to the federal government. It does not provide a basis for federal legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

2. Congress's power to regulate interstate trade:

   • Correct. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was justified under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states. This was a key argument because discrimination in businesses and public accommodations affected interstate commerce.

3. The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment:

   • Incorrect. While the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause is crucial for civil rights, the primary constitutional basis for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the Commerce Clause. The equal protection clause is more directly related to state actions rather than private businesses.

4. The increased use of block grants to fund social welfare programs:

   • Incorrect. Block grants are a form of federal funding given to state and local governments for broad purposes. They are not related to the justification for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.