The significance of the civil rights legislation of the 1960s, such as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, was its transformative impact on American society. These laws aimed to eliminate institutional racism and promote equality for African Americans and other marginalized groups. By outlawing discrimination in various sectors, including employment and education, and ensuring voting rights, the legislation helped dismantle systemic barriers. This era marked a crucial step towards civil rights, inspiring further activism and laying the groundwork for subsequent legal and social advancements in racial equality.