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.
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.
The Supreme Court addresses the Fifteenth Amendment’s constitutionality.
The Supreme Court addresses the Fifteenth Amendment’s constitutionality.
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 NAACP lobbies Congress for passage of a right-to-vote law.
The Fifteenth Amendment attempted to reconcile the discrepancy between American ideals and public policy by guaranteeing that the right to vote would not be denied or restricted based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This law aimed to align public policy with the principles of equality and democracy that are foundational to American ideals.
To further enforce this amendment and ensure its implementation, various actions were taken. Congress passed laws, such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to protect the voting rights of all citizens. This legislative action demonstrated a commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the Fifteenth Amendment.
Additionally, the Supreme Court played a significant role in addressing the constitutionality of the Fifteenth Amendment. Through landmark cases, such as Guinn v. United States (1915) and South Carolina v. Katzenbach (1966), the Court upheld the amendment and strengthened voting rights protections. These judicial actions served to reinforce the alignment of public policy with American ideals.
Furthermore, large numbers of people marched on Washington and engaged in protests to advocate for the passage of laws that would protect and expand the right to vote. Groups like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) lobbied Congress and actively campaigned for the enactment of right-to-vote legislation. Their efforts highlighted the discrepancy between American ideals and the reality of voting restrictions based on race, and helped push for legislation that reflected the principles of equality and fairness.
Overall, the Fifteenth Amendment and subsequent actions attempted to reconcile the discrepancy between American ideals and public policy by affirming and enshrining the right to vote for all citizens, regardless of their race, color, or previous condition of servitude.