What year was the Voting Rights Act signed into law?

• A. 1964
• B. 1965
• C. 1966
• D. 1967

Answer: (B)

The Voting Rights Act was signed into law in 1965, marking a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement aimed at overcoming legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed under the 15th Amendment. This pivotal legislation was a response to systemic disenfranchisement, particularly in the Southern states, where discriminatory practices such as literacy tests and poll taxes were prevalent.

The 1965 Act aimed to eliminate these obstacles and included provisions to ensure federal oversight of voter registration in areas with historical discrimination. This law significantly increased voter registration and participation among African Americans and is considered a landmark achievement in the pursuit of civil rights and social justice in the United States.