Final answer:
Teaching the history of the 15th Amendment and voter suppression could potentially increase voter turnout by making citizens more aware of the historical struggle for voting rights. This could instill a sense of civic responsibility, though many factors influence voting behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks how voter turnout numbers might be impacted if every American was taught the history of the 15th Amendment and voter suppression in class. In the 2016 election, only 61% of voting-age citizens voted, while in the 2018 midterm election, that number decreased to 47%. Given the fluctuating nature of voter turnout, it is crucial to understand the historical context and continuous efforts to expand voting rights to all citizens. Efforts to suppress voters have been combated by constitutional amendments like the 15th and 24th Amendments, which sought to remove barriers based on race and the imposition of poll taxes, respectively. However, knowledge does not directly translate to action; while improving awareness of these historical struggles could increase voter engagement, no law can guarantee an informed or thoughtful vote.
The importance of understanding voter suppression's impact on minority groups could instigate a higher rate of participation among those who learn about the sacrifices made to ensure their right to vote. Educational initiatives may result in a more informed electorate, who may feel a stronger sense of civic responsibility and thus a greater inclination to participate in the electoral process. Nevertheless, voter turnout is influenced by a myriad of factors and teaching the history of voting rights is only one part of a complex equation that involves motivating eligible voters to exercise their democratic right.