U.S. History STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

Which amendment prohibits denying citizens the right to vote based on race?

1. Thirteenth Amendment

2. Fourteenth Amendment

3. Fifteenth Amendment

4. Sixteenth Amendment

The correct answer is: Fifteenth Amendment

The correct answer is the Fifteenth Amendment, which specifically prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Ratified in 1870, this amendment was a significant milestone during the Reconstruction era, aiming to ensure that African American men, who had gained their freedom following the Civil War, could exercise their right to participate in the democratic process. In contrast, the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, which dealt with the broader issue of freedom rather than voting rights specifically. The Fourteenth Amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and included equal protection under the laws, but it did not explicitly address voting rights for race. The Sixteenth Amendment, on the other hand, relates to the federal government's ability to impose income tax and has no connection to voting rights. Understanding the purpose and content of these amendments is crucial in grasping the historical context of voting rights in the United States.