New laws that restricted African Americans' and northern immigrants' access to the vote helped to ensure the passage of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The restriction of African Americans' and northern immigrants' access to the vote through laws such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and property requirements served to decrease the overall number of voters, making it easier for political machines and other corrupt practices to sway elections. As a result, advocates for reform pushed for the direct election of U.S. senators, which would eliminate state legislatures' ability to choose senators and reduce the impact of political machines. The Seventeenth Amendment, which established direct election of senators, was ratified in 1913, after years of advocacy by reformers. This amendment did not directly address the issue of voter discrimination, but it did help to reduce the power of those who sought to restrict voting rights.

New Laws That Restricted African Americans' and Northern Immigrants' Access