75. Which amendment to the Constitution prohibits the federal government from denying voting rights based on race?
Answer: C
The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits the federal government from denying voting rights based on race.
The Fifteenth Amendment explicitly states that the right to vote cannot be denied or abridged by the federal government or the states based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, thus ensuring voting rights for all citizens irrespective of their racial background.
A) Thirteenth Amendment
The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, but it does not address voting rights directly. While it lays the groundwork for civil rights, it does not specifically prohibit the denial of voting based on race.
B) Fourteenth Amendment
The Fourteenth Amendment addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law but does not explicitly focus on voting rights in relation to race. It ensures that states cannot deny any person equal protection, but it is the Fifteenth Amendment that specifically addresses voting rights.
C) Fifteenth Amendment
The Fifteenth Amendment is the correct answer as it directly prohibits the federal government and states from denying citizens the right to vote based on race. This amendment was crucial in extending voting rights to African American men following the Civil War.
D) Sixteenth Amendment
The Sixteenth Amendment allows Congress to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states. It does not relate to voting rights or race, making it irrelevant to the question of voting rights based on race.
E) Nineteenth Amendment
The Nineteenth Amendment grants women the right to vote but does not address voting rights concerning race. Therefore, it is not applicable to the question of prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on racial factors.
Conclusion
The Fifteenth Amendment stands out as the definitive amendment prohibiting the federal government from denying voting rights based on race, while the other options either address different issues or do not pertain to voting rights at all. Understanding the specific focus of each amendment is crucial in recognizing their implications on civil rights and voting.