Foundations of the Constitution

By Alondra Hernandez

  • Constitution is ratified

    Only white male adult property-owners have the right to vote

  • Religious qualifications dropped

    Last religious prerequisite for voting is eliminated

  • Property requirements dropped

    Property ownership and tax requiremnts eliminated by 1850. Almost all adult white males could vote.

  • 15th Amendment

    It gives former slaves the right to vote and protects the voting rights of adult male citizens.

  • 19th Amendment

    Guarantees women's suffrage

  • 23rd Amendment

    Allows voters of the District of Columbia to participate in presidential elections

  • 24th Amendment

    Bans the poll tax as a requirement for voting in federal elections.

  • Voting Rights Act of 1965

    The Voting Rights Act protects the rights of minority voters and eliminates voting barriers such as the literacy test. The Act is expanded and renewed in 1970, 1975, and 1982

  • 26th Amendment

    Sets the minimum voting age at 18.