U.S. Citizenship Civics TestRights and ResponsibilitiesMedium
A group of civics students is studying constitutional amendments related to voting rights. They are discussing the amendment that eliminated the poll tax, which often prevented poorer citizens, especially African Americans in the South, from voting. Which amendment eliminated the poll tax?
- AThe 26th Amendment
- BThe 15th Amendment
- CThe 19th Amendment
- DThe 24th Amendment
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The 24th Amendment
The 24th Amendment, ratified in 1964, eliminated the poll tax in federal elections, making it illegal to charge a fee to vote. This significantly expanded voting access.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18.
- B. The 15th Amendment granted African American men the right to vote but did not address poll taxes.
- C. The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote.
24th Amendment
The 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the federal government and states from requiring voters to pay a poll tax as a condition for voting in federal elections.
- Ratified in 1964.
- Aimed to eliminate a barrier to voting, especially for poor and minority citizens.
- Helped enforce the 15th Amendment's promise of voting rights.
Memory trick: Four amendments set the stage for all to vote, from race to gender, age, and poll tax note.