Declaration of Constitutional Principles The Southern Manifesto (officially known as the Declaration of Constitutional Principles) was a document written in 1956 in direct response to the Brown v. Board of Education decision in the Supreme Court to order the desegregation of public schools.
It argues that this decision was unconstitutional and was an example of the abuse of judicial power. It was signed by 101 members of Congress from Southern states. This infamous document began the push for Massive Resistance to desegregation.
Read the document below. To expand the selection, click on the “+” on the right. Take your time with this source and read it carefully to be sure you understand it.
The Southern Manifesto
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Write a 600-word essay that addresses the following prompt: Describe the main arguments of the Southern Manifesto. What were their stated reasons for opposing the decision, and what were their other motivations? Using recent news articles, describe how the ideas of this document are still a part of American politics today.
You may use your course materials as you research this topic in addition to the outside research you will need to do to find a current event. Be sure to consider the historical and philosophical context of all documents. (Read your current events with an eye toward possible bias.)
Your paper should be formatted using proper MLA citation style and typed in a Microsoft Word document using 12-pt Times New Roman and double-spaced.
All sources should be referenced using the proper MLA format.
Your paper should have a clear structure. Write an introductory paragraph with a strong thesis statement, one or two body paragraphs defending your thesis using examples and evidence, and a concluding paragraph that restates and summarizes your major points.
Proofread your paragraph carefully, making sure you have followed the standard rules for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
