Why was the Voting Rights Act of 1965 necessary? Select
all that apply.
(1 point)
Each citizen must be ruled by the same laws.
Each citizen must be able to participate in government.
Each citizen must have the protections of the Bill of
Rights.
Each citizen must have equal voting power in federal
elections.
Each citizen must complete a test or pay a tax to be
registered to vote.
The correct answers are:
- Each citizen must be able to participate in government.
- Each citizen must have equal voting power in federal elections.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was necessary for several reasons. To determine the correct answers to this question, let's analyze each option provided:
1. Each citizen must be ruled by the same laws: While this is an important aspect of a democratic society, it is not directly related to the need for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
2. Each citizen must be able to participate in government: This is a valid reason. The Voting Rights Act aimed to remove barriers that prevented certain individuals, particularly African Americans, from exercising their right to vote and participating in the democratic process.
3. Each citizen must have the protections of the Bill of Rights: While the Bill of Rights guarantees individual rights and freedoms, it is not directly tied to the need for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
4. Each citizen must have equal voting power in federal elections: This is another valid reason. The Voting Rights Act sought to ensure that every citizen's vote carries equal weight in federal elections, without being subjected to discrimination or barriers.
5. Each citizen must complete a test or pay a tax to be registered to vote: This is not a valid reason. The Voting Rights Act aimed to diminish voter suppression tactics such as literacy tests and poll taxes, which unfairly targeted minority groups.
Based on the explanations provided, the correct answers are:
- Each citizen must be able to participate in government.
- Each citizen must have equal voting power in federal elections.
These answers reflect the primary goals and objectives of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was necessary for the following reasons:
1. Each citizen must be able to participate in government.
2. Each citizen must have equal voting power in federal elections.