What amendments/laws were important in helping African Americans gain equality at the turn of the century (late 1800s to early 1900s)?

Why would a person who believes in a strict interpretation of the constitution have a concern with the elastic clause? a) the elastic clause limits the ability of the government to respond to new needs of the nation. b) the elastic clause gives the supreme court original jurisdiction in a limited number of cases. c) the elastic clause allows congress to exercise powers not specifically listed in the constitution. d) the elastic clause guarantees that a citizen's property cannot be taken away with due process of law.