Question

Read the following excerpt and answer the question below:

The rights of citizens of the United States to not be denied [or abridged] by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax. -Twenty-Fourth Amendment, U.S. Constitution
Which statement best describes the effectiveness of this amendment on African American political participation?
A.It was ineffective because the number of African American voters remained unchanged.
B.It was effective because the impact of African Americans in politics was immediately felt.
C.It was effective because there was a dramatic increase in African American political participation.
D. It was ineffective because there were other methods used to prevent African Americans from voting.

Answer 1

The Twenty-Fourth Amendment was effective in removing the poll tax barrier, allowing for greater African American political participation. However, it was not until additional measures, such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, were enacted that a more dramatic increase in African American voter registration and participation was realized.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage of the Twenty-Fourth Amendment was a significant milestone in the fight against voter suppression tactics like poll taxes, which had disproportionately affected African American voters, particularly in the Southern states. By removing the financial barrier of poll taxes, the amendment was directly aimed at increasing political participation among individuals who were previously disenfranchised due to their inability to pay.

While the amendment effectively outlawed poll taxes in federal elections, other forms of voter suppression, such as literacy tests, property requirements, and violence, continued to limit African American participation in the political process. It wasn't until the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 that a more comprehensive set of legal protections was established, leading to a significant increase in African American voter registration and participation.