Magruder’s American Government
1st Edition
ISBN: 9780133306996
Textbook solutions
All Solutions
Section 9-2: Diversity and Discrimination
Exercise 1
Solution 1
Solution 2
Step 1
1 of 2
Before the four States had minorities making most of the population, States had a predominantly white population. During the mid-1960s population of legal immigrants grew rapidly compared to the white population. Three states border with Mexico – New Mexico, California, and Texas. So, that can partly explain the growth of the immigrant population in those areas because a lot of immigrants came from South America and Mexico.
Considered minorities were Asian American, African American, and Hispanic American.
Considered minorities were Asian American, African American, and Hispanic American.
Step 2
2 of 2
The **four states** where minority exceeds white population are Hawaii, New Mexico, Texas, and California.
Interestingly, for more than half a century, females outnumbered males.
Interestingly, for more than half a century, females outnumbered males.
Step 1
1 of 2
In four States of the United States, the population of minorities (African American, Hispanic American and Asian American) has outnumbered the white population. These States, known as majority- minority States are: **California, Hawaii, New Mexico and Texas.**
Step 2
2 of 2
Throughout history, these States have always had a higher percentage of non-white population compared to the white population. It is symptomatic that California, New Mexico and Texas border Mexico.
Exercise 2
Solution 1
Solution 2
Step 1
1 of 2
The reason is simple, **African Americans have been making most of the minority population since the American beginnings**. During the times of slavery, African Americans have already been a predominant minority.
Step 2
2 of 2
The other minority groups look up to African Americans for guidance because A.F. have been through the most and longest out of all minorities in America. There are publicly recorded struggles, movements and fights for justice that African Americans endured through time. Therefore, it seems like the best option to seek guidance from them.
Step 1
1 of 2
The African American population was the largest minority in the United States until the beginning of the 21st century. Members of this population have come a long way from slavery, to the gradual recognition of freedoms and rights, to the fight against discrimination that still continues.
Step 2
2 of 2
Many legislative changes concerning the recognition of rights and the improvement of the status of minorities are the product of the struggle of members of the African American population. Specific laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which greatly improved the position of minorities, are the result of the actions of members of this population, primarily activist Martin Luther King.
Exercise 3
Solution 1
Solution 2
Step 1
1 of 2
A **heterogeneous society** is a population whose melting pot consists of different and distinct values and cultures. It simply represents a society that has all kinds of people from different backgrounds and values. The States proclaime to be a heterogeneous lot.
Step 2
2 of 2
During the rise of minorities that together with the white population, create a heterogeneous population, the minorities and the society faced discrimination issues. The Constitution has tried to adapt and enact laws that support the idea of equality. Furthermore, most of the American population has been and still remains white-based.
Step 1
1 of 2
**Heterogeneous** societies are societies that consist of quite different parts. The heterogeneity of American society stems from the diverse population that has inhabited the country since its founding. In America, people of different origins, religions, cultures, customs, understandings live together.
Step 2
2 of 2
On the one hand, living in a society with so much diversity can be very enjoyable. People have the opportunity to get to know various other customs and cultures and to adopt some of their parts if they wish. On the other hand, differences often create confrontations that can escalate into conflicts. For these reasons, it is very important for the government to recognize the heterogeneity of society and to enact laws that will enhance the positive sides and mitigate or eliminate the negative sides of the heterogeneity.
Exercise 4
Solution 1
Solution 2
Step 1
1 of 3
**The Hispanic Americans** population consists of people who have in common that they have a Spanish-speaking background. This population is quite heterogeneous and consists of people of different races, colors and origins. At the beginning of the 21st century, this population became the largest minority in America with over 50 million members. The growth of this population is still pronounced and is the highest in relation to other members of minorities.
Step 2
2 of 3
**The Asian American** population is also very heterogeneous in terms of language, religion, culture and origin. Most of the members of this population come from China, Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, etc. This minority appeared in America in the middle of the 19th century and today it consists of approximately 18 million members.
Result
3 of 3
Members of the Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans populations have the following things in common:
**- Heterogeneity:** both populations are made up of people who have different backgrounds, languages, cultures, races, colors.
**- Discrimination:** like the African American population, these two minority groups have faced and continue to face discrimination against the majority population.
**- Growth:** the number of members of this population increases in relation to the majority population from year to year.
Step 1
1 of 2
Both populations faced unjust actions of **discriminatio**n and had **rapid growth** compared to the white population.
Step 2
2 of 2
From the first day of their arrival, these two minorities have a lengthy record of discrimination in the workplace and outside of it. The adoption of their population has been a struggle. On their arrival, both minorities worked hard labor jobs and were generally underpaid. Most of the population, for some reason, has settled in New York.
Exercise 5
Solution 1
Solution 2
Step 1
1 of 3
Although women in America are not a minority, they face similar discrimination as members of other races, colors, etc.
One of the biggest problems women face is that they are not paid equally for the same jobs as men.
One of the biggest problems women face is that they are not paid equally for the same jobs as men.
Step 2
2 of 3
The first step towards resolving this problem is the adoption of the Civil Rights Act 1964, which prohibits discrimination in pay on the basis of sex. This law gave women the opportunity to sue if, within 180 days of employment, they found that they were paid unequally. This time frame is problematic from the point of view that women in some situations cannot establish that they have been discriminated against for a very long time.
Result
3 of 3
In order to improve these matter the **Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act** was adopted in 2009. This law allowed women to file a lawsuit against employers whenever they realized they they were discriminated against in terms of salary in relation to male colleagues.
Step 1
1 of 2
The **Lily Ledbetter Fair Play Act** (2009) is significant because Congress outlined the Equal Pay Act ( act that orders equal wage for both genders,1963), and forbid discrimination gender-based paychecks. It is the first signed act by the President Obama.
Step 2
2 of 2
Ledbetter noticed a difference in the amount that males were getting paid and noted it to the court. It resulted in **Congress allowing women to file a lawsuit if they experience discrimination in the workplace**. This is a big step compared with women being restricted for the first 180 days of the new employment. This indeed has contributed to the empowerment of women. After the case, Ledbetter became a women activist.
unlock