Which statement best explains the reason Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment?
The statement that best explains the reason Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment is: "Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment to grant African American men the right to vote and protect this right from being denied or abridged based on race."
The Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed by Congress primarily to address the issue of voting rights. Specifically, it aimed to prohibit the denial of voting rights based on an individual's race, color, or previous condition of servitude (which mainly referred to slavery). It was enacted during the Reconstruction era after the American Civil War to secure the political rights of African Americans and ensure equal access to the voting process.
To determine the best explanation for why Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment, we must examine the historical context and legislative actions leading up to its passage. The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, aimed to address the issue of voting rights and specifically prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
One way to find the answer is through research. By consulting reliable sources such as history books, academic articles, or governmental websites, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind Congress passing the Fifteenth Amendment.
Some key factors that influenced the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment include:
1. The Reconstruction Era: The Fifteenth Amendment was enacted during the period of Reconstruction, which followed the Civil War and aimed to rebuild and redefine the United States after the abolition of slavery. The amendment was a part of the overall effort to secure civil rights for newly freed African Americans.
2. Abolitionist Movement: The abolitionist movement, which fought to end slavery, played a crucial role in advocating for equal civil rights, including voting rights, for African Americans. The passage of the Fifteenth Amendment was seen as a victory of the abolitionist cause.
3. Black Suffrage: The Fifteenth Amendment addressed the issue of black suffrage by explicitly granting the right to vote to African American men. This was a significant step toward promoting equal political participation and representation for Black citizens.
4. Political Motivations: Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment in response to political considerations. By granting voting rights to African Americans, it aimed to secure the support of the newly enfranchised citizens and gain a political advantage.
It is important to note that the Fifteenth Amendment did not guarantee equal access to voting for all African Americans. Various discriminatory practices, such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and violent intimidation, still prevented many African Americans from exercising their voting rights.
So, to summarize, the best statement explaining why Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment would be: "Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment as part of the Reconstruction Era's efforts to secure civil rights for African Americans, specifically addressing the issue of voting rights and prohibiting their denial based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude."