Poll Tax
A tax levied as a fixed sum on every liable individual
Real World Example
During the Reconstruction era (1860-1880), a poll tax was a fee that individuals had to pay to vote, and it was used to restrict African American voting rights despite the 15th Amendment. This tax was significant because it was one of several methods used to disenfranchise Black voters and maintain white supremacy in the Southern United States. The poll tax responded to the idea of keeping political power in the hands of wealthy, white citizens by making it financially difficult for poorer individuals, particularly Black individuals, to vote. Today, discussions around voter ID laws and access to voting can be seen as modern parallels, as they can also create barriers for certain groups to participate in elections. For example, if someone cannot afford the necessary identification or time off work to vote, it can limit their ability to influence government decisions, affecting laws and policies that impact their daily lives.
Practice Version
