What was the primary goal of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

The primary goal of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans. This landmark legislation was enacted in response to widespread discrimination and disenfranchisement faced by African Americans, particularly in the Southern states. The Act aimed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution, specifically addressing issues such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other discriminatory practices that effectively prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

By prohibiting these discriminatory practices and providing federal oversight of voter registration and elections in areas with a history of voting discrimination, the Act sought to ensure that all citizens, regardless of race, would have equal access to the electoral process. The Voting Rights Act significantly increased voter registration and participation among African Americans, helping to shape the political landscape in the United States.