Unit 5: Political Participation

5.1: Voting Rights and Models of Voting Behavior

Elections: from state to federal control
  • The Constitution left states in charge of federal elections, but the federal government has taken more control over elections in the last century
  • Reason: to prevent discrimination
  • States are still in charge of the other aspects of elections, including early voting and photo ID requirements
15th Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

17th Amendment

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.

19th Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

24th Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.

26th Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Voting Rights Act of 1965
  • Banned literacy tests and other obstacles to vote
  • Localities with substantial populations of non-English speakers must provide ballots in that language
  • The federal government must approve any changes to election and voter laws in states with a history of voter discrimination
  • VRA65 along with 24th Amendment greatly increased minority voter turnout
  • Section 2 of the 15th Amendment says, “The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation”

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