The 15th Amendment: A Milestone in American Voting Rights

The video tutorial discusses the 15th Amendment, which aims to protect voting rights for all U.S. citizens, particularly former slaves. It highlights the amendment's text, historical context, and the opposition it faced, especially from southern states and women's suffrage groups. Despite its ratification in 1870, discriminatory practices like poll taxes and literacy tests persisted, targeting African American voters. The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon Johnson, addressed these issues by outlawing such practices. The video concludes with a review and questions about the amendment's goals and impact.

What was the primary aim of the 15th Amendment?

• To establish a federal government

• To abolish slavery

• To ensure states' rights

• To protect the voting rights of all citizens

Which groups were opposed to the 15th Amendment?

• Southern states and women's suffrage groups

• Federal government and military

• Religious organizations and educators

• Northern states and business owners

What methods did some states use to prevent African Americans from voting?

• Residency requirements and age limits

• Voter ID laws and registration fees

• Property ownership and income verification

• Literacy tests and poll taxes

Which U.S. President signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

• William Clinton

• John F. Kennedy

• Lyndon Johnson

• Gerald Ford

What was the impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

• It created new states and territories

• It established a new voting age and term limits

• It abolished slavery and granted citizenship to all

• It made literacy tests illegal and challenged poll taxes