Question

During Reconstruction in the South, poll taxes were used to
strengthen African American representation in government.
ensure that voters were qualified to participate in elections.
deny African American citizens participation in government.
prevent former Confederate officers from voting in elections.

Answer 1

During Reconstruction in the South, poll taxes were used to deny African American citizens participation in government. Poll taxes were implemented as a way to disenfranchise Black voters and, in many cases, poor white voters, as a means of upholding white supremacy and limiting the political power of African Americans following the Civil War and during the Reconstruction era.