Final answer:
The Twenty-Sixth Amendment expanded the electorate by lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, empowering young adults and making the voting age uniform across federal and state elections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Twenty-Sixth Amendment had a profound effect on the political process by broadening the democratic base and allowing a younger segment of the population to participate in electing government officials. Before the amendment, the voting age was 21, which excluded many young adults, including those who were eligible for military draft and could be sent to war without having a say in the political decisions that affected their lives.
The activism of the 1960s, especially due to the Vietnam War, led to the lowering of the voting age to 18 in 1971, ensuring that those who were old enough to fight for their country were also empowered to vote.This change not only increased the number of potential voters but induced a shift in political campaigns and issues, as politicians now had to address the concerns and perspectives of younger voters.
Furthermore, the amendment made the voting age uniform across federal and state elections, promoting fairness and simplicity in the voting process. By recognizing the capabilities and significance of the youth, the amendment has contributed to more representative governance and has encouraged political engagement among younger citizens.