Final answer:
Section 4b identified jurisdictions with a history of voter discrimination, and Section 5 required federal approval for any changes to election laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
Section 4b and Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were critical components of the legislation that aimed to protect voting rights for racial minorities.
Section 4b established a formula to identify jurisdictions with a history of voter discrimination, while Section 5 required these jurisdictions to obtain federal approval before making any changes to their election laws.
This oversight by federal officials helped prevent discriminatory practices such as literacy tests and other devices that were used to restrict voting based on race.