Question

read the excerpt below from justice john marshall harlans dissenting opinion in plessy v. ferguson: \our constitution is color - blind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens. in respect of civil rights, all citizens are equal before the law.\ in (4 - 5) complete sentences, explain which had a bigger effect on african americans’ daily lives in the late 1800s—the supreme court’s decision in plessy v. ferguson or justice harlan’s dissent. use your own words and give examples from the excerpt or previous lessons to support your answer. (5 points) (5 points)

Explanation:

The Supreme Court's decision in Plessy v. Ferguson established the "separate but equal" doctrine, which legally enforced racial segregation and had a far - reaching negative impact on African Americans' daily lives in the late 1800s. Justice Harlan's dissent was a moral stance but did not change the law at the time. Segregation affected areas like education, transportation, and public facilities, making the Court's decision more impactful on daily life.

Answer:

The Supreme Court's decision in Plessy v. Ferguson had a bigger effect on African Americans' daily lives in the late 1800s as it enforced segregation, while Justice Harlan's dissent was just a dissenting opinion and did not change the legal status quo that affected African Americans' daily activities in various public domains.