What major social change did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 achieve?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that aimed specifically to eliminate various barriers that had excluded African Americans from voting, particularly in Southern states. This act addressed the systemic discrimination that had been instilled by practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other obstacles that effectively disenfranchised Black voters.

By prohibiting these discriminatory practices and providing for federal oversight and enforcement of voter registration and elections in areas with a history of racially motivated voting discrimination, the act significantly increased voter registration and participation among African Americans. The Voting Rights Act is seen as a crucial step toward achieving equality and civil rights, thus transforming the political landscape of the United States.

Other choices highlight important issues related to voting rights and the electoral process but do not accurately reflect the primary objective of the Voting Rights Act. For example, granting women the right to vote was accomplished earlier with the 19th Amendment in 1920, while lowering the voting age was achieved later with the 26th Amendment in 1971. The establishment of the Electoral College occurred much earlier, as part of the Constitution in 1787, and is not directly connected to the Voting Rights Act.