The major civil rights act passed in the United States in 1964 is the Civil Rights Act. This landmark legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, significantly advancing the civil rights movement's goals. The Act aimed to end segregation in schools, employment, and public accommodations, and it provided for governmental enforcement of those provisions. This historic legislation was a culmination of years of activism and protest against racial injustice, exemplified by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and organizations like the NAACP. It marked a pivotal moment in America’s pursuit of equality and justice for all citizens.