Voting Rights for African Americans — Reading Comprehension

For many years, African Americans were not allowed to vote in the United States. After the Civil War, people wanted to change this. In 1870, the 15th Amendment was added to the Constitution. It said, “The right of citizens… to vote shall not be denied… on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” This new law gave African American men the right to vote.

Even with the 15th Amendment, many states made unfair rules to stop African Americans from voting. Some states had poll taxes. People had to pay money to vote. Others gave tests that were very hard. These rules made it hard for African Americans to use their rights.

Many brave people worked for change. Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led peaceful marches and spoke out for equal rights. In 1965, thousands of people marched from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. They wanted to show how unfair voting laws were. People said, “We demand the right to vote!”

Their hard work helped pass the Voting Rights Act in 1965. This law made it illegal to keep people from voting because of their race. It protected everyone’s right to vote. After this, more African Americans could vote in elections. Their voices helped shape the country.

Citizens today still work to protect voting rights for all people. The story of voting rights shows the power of unity and courage in making the country fairer for everyone.

Interesting Fact: The Selma to Montgomery march in 1965 was over 50 miles long!

When was the 15th Amendment passed?

What did poll taxes do?

Who led peaceful marches for voting rights?

Why did people march from Selma to Montgomery?

How did the Voting Rights Act help?

What happened after the Voting Rights Act?

The 15th Amendment ended all unfair voting rules.

What does 'citizens' mean?