Question

Which action regarding voting happened as a result of the civil rights movement? A. ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment B. ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment C. formation of the National Woman Suffrage Association D. passage of the Voting Rights Act

Short answer

D. passage of the Voting Rights Act

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Civil Rights Movement

The civil rights movement was a struggle for social justice that took place mainly during the 1950s and 1960s to end legalized racial discrimination and disenfranchisement in the United States.

- Review the Given Options

Look at the given options and understand what each amendment or act represents. The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits states from denying a citizen the right to vote based on that citizen's race, color, or previous condition of servitude. The Nineteenth Amendment prohibits states from denying the right to vote based on sex. The National Woman Suffrage Association was formed to advocate for women's voting rights. The Voting Rights Act was a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination in voting.

- Identify the Correct Timeline

The Fifteenth Amendment was ratified in 1870, the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, and the National Woman Suffrage Association was formed in 1869. The Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965.

- Connect the Civil Rights Movement with the Event

The civil rights movement, which sought to end racial discrimination and disenfranchisement, directly correlates with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to remove racial discrimination in voting.

- Verify the Correct Answer

By matching historical events with their time periods and goals, it becomes evident that the accurate outcome of the civil rights movement regarding voting rights was the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

Key concepts

civil rights movement

The civil rights movement was a pivotal time in American history. Taking place mainly during the 1950s and 1960s, it aimed to end racial discrimination and fight for the equal rights of African Americans.

The movement sought to address long-standing issues such as:

• segregation in public places
• discrimination in employment and housing
• unequal educational opportunities
• voter disenfranchisement

Key figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and many others led peaceful protests, sit-ins, and marches. Their efforts helped dismantle institutional racism and inspired significant changes in laws and social norms.
One of the main focuses was the right to vote. African Americans faced numerous obstacles when attempting to vote, such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and outright intimidation.
By drawing national attention to these injustices, the civil rights movement paved the way for significant legislative changes, ensuring equal voting rights for all citizens.

Voting Rights Act

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) stands out as one of the most significant achievements of the civil rights movement.

Before the VRA, many African Americans were effectively barred from voting, especially in the Southern states. This Act aimed to eliminate the various barriers that had been placed to prevent Black people from voting.
Important aspects of the VRA:

• It prohibited states from using literacy tests as a voting requirement.
• It required certain jurisdictions to get federal approval before changing their voting laws or practices (preclearance).
• It authorized the federal government to oversee voter registration processes in areas with a history of discriminatory practices.

The VRA was not just about eliminating barriers; it was about ensuring that every citizen's right to vote was protected. Thanks to the Voting Rights Act, voter registration and participation in the Black community saw dramatic increases, fundamentally changing the political landscape in the United States.

disenfranchisement

Disenfranchisement refers to the removal of the right to vote from a person or group. Historically, in the United States, this was often done to keep African Americans and other minority groups from voting.

Several tactics were used to disenfranchise Black Americans, which included:

• Literacy tests, which were difficult and sometimes impossible to pass.
• Poll taxes, which many could not afford to pay.
• Intimidation and violence, deterring people from voting out of fear.

The civil rights movement shined a light on these unjust practices. Activists worked tirelessly to ensure that all citizens, regardless of race, had equal access to voting.
As a result, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted to address these issues directly. By prohibiting the discriminatory practices that were used to disenfranchise voters, it marked a significant step towards achieving equal rights for all.
Though considerable progress has been made, the fight against disenfranchisement continues in various forms. Understanding the history and ongoing efforts is crucial in ensuring that every citizen's right to vote is protected.