Which amendment abolished poll taxes in federal elections?

Study for the North Dakota Civics Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The 24th Amendment is the amendment that abolished poll taxes in federal elections. This amendment, ratified in 1964, was a significant step in the civil rights movement, aiming to eliminate financial barriers that were used to restrict voting rights, particularly for African Americans and low-income individuals. Prior to this amendment, many states employed poll taxes as a requirement for voter registration, effectively disenfranchising many people who could not afford to pay the tax. By prohibiting poll taxes in federal elections, the 24th Amendment reinforced the principle that voting should be accessible to all citizens, regardless of their economic status.

The other amendments listed address different aspects of voting rights. The 15th Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, ensuring that African American men could vote after the Civil War. The 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote, marking a major victory for the suffragette movement. The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18, thereby expanding the electorate to include younger citizens. Each of these amendments plays a critical role in the evolution of voting rights in the United States, but the 24th Amendment specifically targets the issue of poll taxes.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy