The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was an important law during the Civil Rights Movement. Its main goal was to remove problems that stopped African Americans from voting. Here are some key points about what the Act achieved:
No More Literacy Tests: Southern states often used literacy tests to stop Black voters from registering. The Act made it illegal to use these tests, which helped millions of people register to vote more easily.
Federal Oversight: This law allowed the federal government to monitor voter registration in places where unfair practices happened. Federal officials could make sure elections were fair, especially in the South.
More People Registered to Vote: After the Act was passed, a lot more African Americans registered to vote. For example, in Alabama, the number of Black voters registered went from about 1% in 1965 to more than 50% by 1967.
More African American Leaders: The Act helped more African Americans get elected as officials at local, state, and national levels. This broke down old barriers to getting involved in politics.
Lasting Impact: The Voting Rights Act not only helped African American voters but also inspired more laws and actions to fight racial discrimination throughout the country.
These changes were major steps forward in the fight for civil rights. They helped pave the way for more social and political improvements.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was an important law during the Civil Rights Movement. Its main goal was to remove problems that stopped African Americans from voting. Here are some key points about what the Act achieved:
No More Literacy Tests: Southern states often used literacy tests to stop Black voters from registering. The Act made it illegal to use these tests, which helped millions of people register to vote more easily.
Federal Oversight: This law allowed the federal government to monitor voter registration in places where unfair practices happened. Federal officials could make sure elections were fair, especially in the South.
More People Registered to Vote: After the Act was passed, a lot more African Americans registered to vote. For example, in Alabama, the number of Black voters registered went from about 1% in 1965 to more than 50% by 1967.
More African American Leaders: The Act helped more African Americans get elected as officials at local, state, and national levels. This broke down old barriers to getting involved in politics.
Lasting Impact: The Voting Rights Act not only helped African American voters but also inspired more laws and actions to fight racial discrimination throughout the country.
These changes were major steps forward in the fight for civil rights. They helped pave the way for more social and political improvements.