15 Apr - Do Now - Plessy v Ferguson Review

Who was Homer Plessy?

• A judge in Louisiana

• A conductor on the East Louisiana Railway

• A citizen of the United States and resident of Louisiana

• A lawyer representing the state

Answer explanation

Homer Plessy was a citizen of the United States and a resident of Louisiana, known for his role in the landmark Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld racial segregation laws.

Who was the judge in Homer Plessy's trial?

• John Ferguson

• Thurgood Marshall

• Earl Warren

• Oliver Wendell Holmes

Answer explanation

The judge in Homer Plessy's trial was John Ferguson. He presided over the case that challenged the constitutionality of racial segregation laws, leading to the infamous 'separate but equal' doctrine.

What did the Louisiana law of 1890 require?

• Equal pay for all railway workers

• Separate railroad cars for Black and white passengers

• Free travel for all citizens

• No segregation on public transport

Answer explanation

The Louisiana law of 1890 mandated separate railroad cars for Black and white passengers, enforcing racial segregation in public transportation, which is reflected in the correct answer choice.

What was the main issue in the Plessy v. Ferguson case?

• Whether Plessy had a valid train ticket

• Whether the segregation law was constitutional

• Whether Plessy was a resident of Louisiana

• Whether the train was traveling to Covington

Answer explanation

The main issue in Plessy v. Ferguson was whether the segregation law was constitutional. The case challenged the legality of racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

What was the outcome of Homer Plessy's trial?

• He was found not guilty

• He was found guilty of violating a state law

• The trial was postponed

• The charges were dropped

Answer explanation

Homer Plessy was found guilty of violating a state law by sitting in a 'whites only' railroad car, which led to the landmark Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, upholding racial segregation.

What was the legal argument made by Homer Plessy?

• The train was not properly maintained

• The law was unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment

• The ticket price was too high

• The train was late

Answer explanation

Homer Plessy's legal argument was that the law enforcing racial segregation on trains violated the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law. This was the basis for challenging the constitutionality of the segregation law.

What phrase is associated with the ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson?

• "All men are created equal"

• "Separate but equal"

• "Liberty and justice for all"

• "Equal protection under the law"

Answer explanation

The phrase "Separate but equal" is associated with the ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld racial segregation under the premise that separate facilities for different races could be equal.