14th And 15th Amendments Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is 14th And 15th Amendments?
The 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution are two of the most important amendments in American history. The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and provides equal protection under the law, while the 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibits any form of discrimination in voting rights on account of race. Together these amendments have had a large impact on civil rights and equality throughout America’s history. The 14th Amendment was a response to the Dred Scott decision by the Supreme Court which held that no person who was descended from slaves could be considered citizens of the United States. The amendment overturned this decision by granting citizenship to everyone born or naturalized within US borders. This provided legal recognition for African-Americans as citizens with full constitutional rights and protections under law. Furthermore, it also barred any state from denying them those same rights without due process or equal protection under law. The 15th Amendment went even further than this by prohibiting any form of discrimination based on race when it comes to voting rights. This meant that African Americans were now allowed to vote without facing restrictions such as poll taxes or literacy tests that had been used as means for keeping them out of polling booths prior to this amendment’s passage. This amendment served as a major victory for civil rights proponents who had long sought an end to racial inequality when it came to civic participation in society and politics alike. Overall, both amendments were hugely influential steps towards achieving civil rights and equality for all people regardless of their race or background within America today.