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15th Amendment
While the 15th amendment gave voting rights to African Americans, southern states found ways to get around the amendment with literacy tests, poll taxes, and the grandfather clause. This amendment was passed by congress in February of 1869.
Afican American Voting -
19th Amendment
The 19th amendment gave women the right to vote. The fight for women's suffrage began decades before the civil war but it wasn't until 1848 that the movement was finally organized at the national level. The amendment was ratified by the states almost 75 years later in 1920.
Women's Sufferage -
Indian Citizenship Act
Before the civil war, citizenship was limited to a lot of native Americans. Native American women that married US citizens were granted citizenship, but it was limited to others. In 1924 congress passed this act to give citizenship to friendly tribes.
Indian Citizendhip Act -
The McCarran-Walter Act
This act revises immigration policies in the United States. It divided up how many immigrants could come from which countries during the year. Most spots were assigned to Western European countries, but now immigrants from Japan and China have small quotas as well. The bill was passed in 1952 after congress overrode President Truman's veto.
McCarren-Walter Act -
24th Amendment
The 24th amendment abolished poll taxes. The taxes were put in place in many southern states as a way to bypass the 15th amendment and prevent African Americans from voting. This amendment was proposed by congress in 1962. The vote was 295 to 86.
Abolishment of Poll Taxes -
Voting Rights Act
The Voting Rights Act was aimed at getting rid of legal barriers preventing African Americans from voting. It banned the use of literacy tests and provided oversight of voting in areas where less than 50% of non-white citizens were registered to vote, it passed congress in 1965.
Voting Rights Act -
26th Amendment
The 26th amendment lowered the voting age to 18 during the Vietnam War. Many people believed if 18-year-olds could go fight in a war, they should have a say in the government that sent them there. The amendment was ratified in July 1971.
Lowering the Voting Age -
Motor Voter Law
The Motor Voter Law is a way to help people register to vote. There are only 44 states that follow this law and the other 6 don't have voter registration. This law was signed by President Clinton in 1993.
Motor Voter Law -
Help America Vote Act
This act discussed federal funds being sent out to update voting equipment and procedures. Over $3.3 billion was awarded during this time. This act also makes sure voters show an ID or the last 4 digits of their social security number. Signed by President Bush in October 2002.
Help America Vote Act -
Military and Overseas Empowerment Act
This act was passed so members of the military serving overseas would still be able to vote. It allows members of the military and their families who are stationed outside the US to vote with an absentee ballot. They need to register 45 days in advance to receive a ballot. It was signed by president Obama in 2009.
Military and Overseas Empowerment Act