Final answer:
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 dramatically expanded black votes in the South by removing obstacles for African American voters and prohibiting discriminatory laws. Option c. is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 marked a pivotal moment in American history, particularly for the enfranchisement of Black voters in the Southern United States. This landmark legislation played a transformative role in dismantling barriers that had long hindered African American participation in the electoral process. By targeting and eliminating discriminatory practices, the act sought to ensure equal access to the fundamental right to vote.
The Voting Rights Act specifically addressed and eradicated obstacles that disproportionately affected African American voters. Provisions within the act rendered illegal any laws or practices that discriminated against individuals based on their race, particularly targeting mechanisms like literacy tests that had been employed to disenfranchise Black voters. The prohibition of such discriminatory tactics was instrumental in opening the doors to widespread African American voter registration.
This legislative intervention not only dismantled overtly discriminatory practices but also ushered in a new era of inclusivity and equal political participation. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 emerged as a cornerstone in the ongoing struggle for civil rights, contributing significantly to the expansion of Black votes in the Southern United States and fostering a more equitable and representative democratic system.