In 1965, congress adopted the voting rights act. Describe this act. In your description, explain what led congress to pass the act, and describe at least two of the act's effects

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The Voting Rights Act, adopted by Congress in 1965, was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at addressing and combating racial discrimination in voting practices in the United States. It was enacted in response to widespread discrimination and barriers faced by African Americans and other minority groups when attempting to exercise their right to vote.

Congress passed the Voting Rights Act due to several significant factors. One major catalyst was the ongoing civil rights movement and the tireless efforts of activists who fought for equal voting rights. Their protests, marches, and advocacy shed light on the pervasive and intentional disenfranchisement targeting minority communities, particularly in the South.

The act aimed to remove discriminatory practices that hindered the voting rights of marginalized groups. It contained powerful measures to enforce the fundamental right to vote by prohibiting racial discrimination in various forms. The two notable effects of the Voting Rights Act include:

1. Outlawing discriminatory voting practices: The act specifically targeted discriminatory practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other barriers that disproportionately impacted African Americans and other minority groups. These practices were commonly used to prevent minorities from registering to vote or casting their ballots. By making these practices illegal, the act sought to ensure equal access to voting for all citizens.

2. Establishing federal oversight: The Voting Rights Act introduced a significant provision called Section 5, which required certain jurisdictions with a history of voting discrimination to obtain "preclearance" from the federal government before implementing any changes to their voting laws or practices. This provision aimed to prevent state or local governments from enacting discriminatory measures that could impede the voting rights of minority communities. The federal oversight provided under Section 5 was crucial in safeguarding voting rights and ensuring fair electoral processes.

These effects of the Voting Rights Act were instrumental in combating racial discrimination in voting, promoting equal access, and strengthening democratic participation among marginalized communities. Despite some subsequent changes to the act, its core provisions remain vital for fostering equitable voting practices in the United States.