Which significant act aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans?

• A. Civil Rights Act
• B. Voting Rights Act
• C. Fair Housing Act
• D. Affirmative Action Act

Answer: (B)

The Voting Rights Act is the significant legislation that directly aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans. Enacted in 1965, this landmark act was designed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution. Prior to its passage, various discriminatory practices, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, were widely used to disenfranchise African American voters, particularly in the Southern states.

The Voting Rights Act made it illegal to impose such barriers and provided for federal oversight and enforcement in areas with a history of voting discrimination. This act led to a substantial increase in African American voter registration and participation, fundamentally changing the electoral landscape in the United States and strengthening democratic practices.

The other acts, while crucial in the broader context of civil rights and social justice, address different issues. The Civil Rights Act primarily focused on ending discrimination in public places and employment. The Fair Housing Act targeted discrimination in housing practices. Affirmative Action policies relate to employment and education equity. Each of these plays a vital role in the fight for equality, but it is the Voting Rights Act that specifically addresses voting access for African Americans.