"During the second founding, a new definition of American citizenship, incorporating equal rights regardless of race, was written into the Constitution."* To what extent, if
any, did the Civil War Amendments promote equality in the United States?
. Why do you think the scholar refers to this period in U. S. history as a "second
founding"?
. What challenges, if any, do Americans still encounter in ensuring equality before the
law for all persons in the United States?