The 15th Amendment
The 15th Amendment protects the right of citizens to vote, regardless of their race, color, or slave status. The 15th Amendment was passed in 1869 and ratified in 1870. However, racial segregation continued to keep African Americans from having political power. Poll taxes discourage the poor from voting. Literary tests were also used. Property was a requirement in order to vote. 95 years later, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed. This Act enforced the promises of the 15th Amendment.
The 15th Amendment is divided into two sections.
Sections 1&2Section 1: The first section states that the right of all people in the United States to vote will not be confounded by race, color, or slavery.
Section 2: The second section states that Congress has the power to make laws and to enforce them. |
Primary TextSection 1: "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
Section 2: "The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation." |