Fifteenth Amendment
Prohibits the government from denying a citizen the right to vote based on race or color
Real World Example
The Fifteenth Amendment, adopted in 1870 during the Reconstruction era, was a significant step towards racial equality in the United States, as it aimed to grant African American men the right to vote. It was a direct response to the racial discrimination and disenfranchisement that African Americans faced, especially in Southern states after the Civil War. However, despite its promise, many states implemented tactics like literacy tests and poll taxes to suppress Black voters. Today, the Fifteenth Amendment remains crucial as it underpins ongoing efforts to ensure fair voting rights for all citizens, regardless of race. For instance, when people challenge unfair voting laws or practices in court, they often invoke this amendment to protect the rights of minority voters, demonstrating its lasting impact on democracy.
