ABSTRACT
Opponents' success in attacking civil rights policies and programs can be attributed to their strategy to zero in on the justification that proponents have offered for these programs. They have argued that civil rights measures are designed to compensate African Americans for past discrimination. The problem with this justification is that it is inconsistent with the liberal tradition. James Madison is known as the father of American democracy. The basis for civil rights and affirmative action measures can also be found in his writings. In modern day society, civil rights measures advocated by African-American leadership are consistent with the liberal tradition. Within the framework of the liberal tradition, the black conservatives' arguments are inconsistent with democratic values. The black conservatives are correct about one thing. African Americans cannot make it without the protection of civil rights and affirmative action laws. The civil rights laws, affirmative action measures, and other social programs are consistent with the liberal democratic tradition.
