Voting Rights by Matt and Yuli
In 1776 the colonists declared independence from Britain to create a representative government. The new constitution in 1788 did not extend voting rights to many people, however amendments gradually extended rights to more and more citizens.As of 1789 male property owners of 21 years old or more were allowed to vote. People who qualified were usually white, and occasionally African American males. The fifteenth amendment attempted to guarantee African Americans the right to vote. However they were often kept from voting through the use of poll taxes, which were finally abolished by the 24th amendment.
In the early 1920’s women were granted suffrage with the 19th amendment. After women got the right to vote, the nineteenth amendment also extended to Native Americans.
In the mid 19th century the 26th amendment made citizens 18 years old or older eligible to vote. The idea behind allowing people above 18 years old to vote was people found it weird that people who were being drafted and going to war are not allowed to vote.
5 comments:
Good job, Matt and Yuli, for presenting the information in a clear and concise manner. I wonder specifically which people in government instituted poll taxes and literacy tests to discourage African Americans from voting. It is interesting that the voting age was lowered to 18 because people said that if you can join the army, you should be able to vote; the same argument is being used today by those who want to lower the drinking age.
Good job placing everything in chronological order. I had no idea that Native Americans received the right to vote after women and African Americans. I also did not that the age limit was lowered because of drafting.
I like how pithy it is, the facts are clearly stated. It would smooth the reading more if you put the reason beofore the result in the last paragreaph. Well done though.
I like how concise it is, it makes it far easier to absorb the facts. I was wondering about the paragraph where you discuss the unfair policies that prevented African-Americans from voting. You mention the poll tax, but I see no mention of the Grandfather Clause that was put into place in some Southern States. Maybe this just wasn't in the textbook. Very good overall.
Nice summary, good compact length. I found it very interesting that Native Americans were the last to receive the right to vote. Good job.
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