Why was the Voting Rights Act of 1965 necessary? Select the two correct answers.

Question

A. Each citizen must be ruled by the same laws.
B. Each citizen must be able to participate in government.
C. Each citizen must have the protections of the Bill of Rights.
D. Each citizen must have equal voting power in federal elections.
E. Each citizen must complete a test or pay a tax to be registered to vote.

Answer 1

The two correct answers are:

B. Each citizen must be able to participate in government. D. Each citizen must have equal voting power in federal elections.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was necessary to eliminate discriminatory practices that prevented many citizens, particularly African Americans in the Southern states, from participating in elections and exercising their right to vote.