Leasing License Practice Exam

Which law serves as a foundational benchmark for housing discrimination prohibitions in the United States?

1. Equal Opportunity Act

2. Fair Housing Act of 1968

3. Civil Rights Act of 1964

4. Housing Act of 1949

The correct answer is: Fair Housing Act of 1968

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 serves as a foundational benchmark for prohibiting housing discrimination in the United States. This legislation specifically addresses the need to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability in housing transactions. The Act was a critical component of the civil rights movement, aiming to ensure that all individuals have equal access to housing opportunities without facing unfair treatment or bias. While other laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, do address discrimination in broader contexts, the Fair Housing Act is specifically tailored to the housing sector, establishing a framework for the pursuit of equitable housing practices. The Equal Opportunity Act and the Housing Act of 1949, though related to housing and civil rights, do not provide the same comprehensive coverage for anti-discrimination measures as the Fair Housing Act does. Therefore, it remains the pivotal piece of legislation for safeguarding individuals from discriminatory practices in housing across the country.