History The Civil Rights Movement Questions
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to overcome racial barriers to voting in the United States. It prohibited racial discrimination in voting practices, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, which were used to disenfranchise African Americans. The act also authorized federal oversight of voter registration and election processes in areas with a history of racial discrimination. As a result, it significantly increased African American voter registration and participation, leading to greater political representation and empowerment for African Americans.