Florida US History EOC Practice Exam

What was a key outcome of the 1965 Voting Rights Act?

1. It introduced literacy tests for voters

2. It ended poll taxes and literacy tests

3. It established a national voting database

4. It created a federal agency to manage elections

The correct answer is: It ended poll taxes and literacy tests

The 1965 Voting Rights Act was a landmark piece of federal legislation aimed at addressing and preventing racial discrimination in voting practices, particularly in the Southern United States. One of the key outcomes of the Act was the abolishment of various discriminatory practices that had historically been used to disenfranchise minority voters, most notably African Americans. Prior to the Voting Rights Act, many states employed literacy tests and poll taxes as barriers to voting, which disproportionately affected minority populations. The Act specifically aimed to eliminate these practices by prohibiting the use of literacy tests and banning poll taxes in federal and state elections. This significant change expanded access to the electoral process for many citizens who had been systematically denied their rights. Consequently, the Voting Rights Act is celebrated for its essential role in fostering greater equality in the voting process and empowering previously marginalized voices in American democracy.