Suffrage Amendments 15,17, 19, 24, 26

1.  The 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlawed the use of poll taxes to prevent citizens from voting for federal officials. This 1964 change continued what evolutionary development of the U.S. Constitution?

• Permitting women to run for public office.

• Extending basic rights to more Americans

• Increasing the number of elected public officials

• Strengthening the role of political parties in choosing candidates

Answer explanation

Throughout the history of the United States, the constitutional principle of popular sovereignty has expanded as voting rights have been extended to many groups of people, such as African Americans, Women and 18 year olds.

The 15th Amendment expanded African-Americans’ ability to participate in the political process.

How did the 24th Amendment expand upon the 15th Amendment?

• By granting African-American women the right to vote

• By ensuring the election of an African-American to each state legislature

   

• By requiring states to create congressional districts specifically for African-Americans

• By removing an economic barrier that prevented many African-Americans from voting

Answer explanation

Poll taxes were an economic barrier used to prevent people from voting in several Southern states.

These taxes disproportionately impacted African Americans. This also impacted white Americans with low income.

The 24th Amendment guarantees people the right to vote regardless of whether or not they have paid a poll tax.

 Which group does the 24th Amendment aim to protect?

• soldiers

• women

• poor citizens

• European Americans

What was the result of the addition of these amendments to the US Constitution?

• The requirements for citizenship were revised.

• Civil rights were extended to disenfranchised groups.

• New powers were granted to states to regulate election rules.

• Strict restrictions were placed on federal campaign fundraising.

Answer explanation

Disenfranchised : deprived of some right, privilege, or immunity that is easily given to others.

Voting rights in the United States have been extended through four amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Identify the group of people who were granted suffrage by the 26th Amendment.

•   convicted felons

• women

• African-Americans

• citizens 18 years of age or older

Answer explanation

The slogan "Old enough to fight, Old enough to vote" was used to fight for the lowering of the voting age from 21 to 18.

Look at the image and answer the following question. Which reason below was used to justify the 26th Amendment's ratification. to:

•   It was illogical to many that America would fight wars to expand democracy abroad while disenfranchising women at home  

•   If a person was held as a slave formerly, he should have the right to vote.  

•  To engage younger citizens in the political process  

• Poll taxes were used exclusively in the South in order to disenfranchise Black citizens