What significant change did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 introduce?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of federal legislation aimed at overcoming legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed under the 15th Amendment. The Act primarily aimed to eliminate discriminatory practices that had been used to disenfranchise voters, particularly in the southern states.

By prohibiting interference in voting rights, the Act empowered the federal government to enforce voting rights for all citizens, and it prohibited practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other means that had been used to suppress minority voter registration and participation. The Act also provided for federal oversight and monitoring of voter registration and elections in areas with a history of discrimination, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of race, could exercise their right to vote without fear of intimidation or unjust barriers.

This legislation was pivotal in advancing civil rights and ensuring more equitable access to the electoral process, thereby making it a cornerstone of democratic governance in the United States.