The timeline below displays the sequence of some civil rights legislation.

1961
- Affirmative action requires employers to consider applicants without regard to race, creed, color, or national origin.

1964
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace.

1972
- The Equal Rights Amendment of 1972 is passed to grant women legal equality.

According to the timeline, what was the role of the federal government in the Civil Rights Movement?

A. It implemented policies regulating discrimination in the workplace based on sex and race.
B. It proposed that employers give preference in promotions based on sex and race.
C. It required employers to use quotas in hiring based on sex and race.
D. It encouraged applicants to identify their sex and race on job applications.