What was the primary goal of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

The primary goal of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans. This legislation was a direct response to the systemic disenfranchisement experienced by Black voters, particularly in the Southern states, where discriminatory practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other obstacles were employed to suppress their right to vote.

The Act aimed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution. It provided for federal oversight and monitoring of election processes in areas with histories of discriminatory voting practices. By prohibiting racial discrimination in voting, the Voting Rights Act sought to ensure that all citizens, regardless of race, could exercise their right to participate in the electoral process fully.

Understanding this context underscores the significance of the Act in advancing civil rights and promoting equality in voting, particularly for African Americans who had faced long-standing barriers to their voting rights.