Read the following excerpt from the Fifteenth Amendment: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” Describe how this law attempted to reconcile the discrepancy between American ideals and public policy. (1 point) Responses Congress passes a law to ensure all people have the right to vote. Congress passes a law to ensure all people have the right to vote. Large numbers of people march on Washington for the passage of laws. Large numbers of people march on Washington for the passage of laws. The Supreme Court addresses the Fifteenth Amendment’s constitutionality. The Supreme Court addresses the Fifteenth Amendment’s constitutionality. The NAACP lobbies Congress for passage of a right-to-vote law.

Question

Read the following excerpt from the Fifteenth Amendment: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” Describe how this law attempted to reconcile the discrepancy between American ideals and public policy. (1 point) Responses Congress passes a law to ensure all people have the right to vote. Congress passes a law to ensure all people have the right to vote. Large numbers of people march on Washington for the passage of laws. Large numbers of people march on Washington for the passage of laws. The Supreme Court addresses the Fifteenth Amendment’s constitutionality. The Supreme Court addresses the Fifteenth Amendment’s constitutionality. The NAACP lobbies Congress for passage of a right-to-vote law.

Answer 1

The Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed by Congress in 1870. This amendment aimed to address the discrepancy between American ideals and public policy regarding voting rights.

The law explicitly states that the right to vote cannot be denied or limited by the United States or any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. By doing so, it sought to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their race or previous status, were granted the right to vote.

In essence, the amendment attempted to reconcile the American ideals of equality and democracy with the discriminatory public policies that had been in place. It aimed to eliminate racial barriers to voting and ensure that the government treated all citizens equally in terms of their voting rights.

It is important to note that passing this law was not an easy or straightforward process. Public pressure, protests, and lobbying efforts by organizations like the NAACP played a significant role in advocating for the passage of laws that guaranteed the right to vote for all citizens. Additionally, the Supreme Court played a role in addressing the constitutionality of the Fifteenth Amendment, ensuring that it was upheld as a fundamental right for all citizens.

In summary, the Fifteenth Amendment sought to bridge the gap between American ideals and discriminatory public policies by enshrining in law the right of all citizens to vote, regardless of their race or previous condition of servitude.