Suppose it is the late 1800s and a presidential election is coming up. The state of South Carolina does not want the large African American population in the state to have too much influence over the election and decides to take certain precautions to make sure as many African Americans as possible cannot vote. Which action will South Carolina likely take to avoid violating the Fifteenth Amendment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best choice for South Carolina to avoid violating the Fifteenth Amendment would be to institute a literacy test for all voters to pass before they can cast a ballot. This was a common tactic used in the South during the post-Civil War period to prevent African Americans from voting, even though the Fifteenth Amendment gave them the right to do so. Barred former slaves from casting a ballot in the election would directly violate the Fifteenth Amendment. Passing a new state law that the federal government will not know about would not prevent them from violating the Fifteenth Amendment. Deciding not to hold an election in the entire state that year would be a drastic measure that may not serve their purpose.

Suppose It Is the Late 1800s and a Presidential Election