Which of the following groups gain more political participation when amendments were added to the constitution?
It is important to note that the impact of amendments on political participation may vary depending on the specific amendment in question. However, certain groups historically experienced significant gains in political participation with the addition of specific amendments to the United States Constitution.
1. African Americans: The 15th Amendment (1870) prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This amendment aimed to give African American men the right to vote. However, African Americans faced systemic barriers, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, that limited their political participation until the passage of subsequent civil rights legislation in the 20th century.
2. Women: The 19th Amendment (1920) granted women the right to vote, extending suffrage beyond just men. This amendment significantly increased political participation among women and led to the formation of women's organizations focused on political issues and activism.
3. Young Adults: The 26th Amendment (1971) lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years old. This amendment increased political participation among young adults, specifically college students who were heavily involved in anti-war and civil rights movements during the 1960s.
It is important to recognize that while these amendments expanded political participation for these groups, these gains were not always immediate or without ongoing challenges. Socioeconomic factors, racial discrimination, and voter suppression tactics have continued to impact the ability of these groups to fully exercise their voting rights in some instances.