Which statement best explains the reason Congress
passed the Fifteenth Amendment? (1 point)
a to stop poll taxes from creating an economic barrier to
voting in the South
b to protect the ability of Freedmen to participate in
choosing a government through voting
c to guarantee equal protection under the law to Freedmen
d to guarantee the right to vote for women
b to protect the ability of Freedmen to participate in choosing a government through voting
The statement that best explains the reason Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment is (b) to protect the ability of Freedmen to participate in choosing a government through voting.
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each statement and assess its accuracy.
Statement (a) suggests that Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment to end the practice of imposing poll taxes, which were used as an economic barrier to voting in the South.
Statement (b) proposes that the amendment was enacted to safeguard the voting rights of Freedmen, who were formerly enslaved individuals, ensuring their ability to participate in the democratic process.
Statement (c) asserts that the amendment aimed to ensure equal protection under the law for Freedmen, affording them the same legal rights and privileges as other citizens.
Statement (d) suggests that the Fifteenth Amendment was adopted to grant women the right to vote.
Considering the context of the time period, it is important to note that the Fifteenth Amendment was ratified in 1870, following the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved individuals. During this era, there was significant discussion and debate over the rights of Freedmen, particularly their voting rights.
By analyzing these statements, we can conclude that the most accurate explanation for the reason Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment is statement (b). The amendment was primarily intended to protect the ability of Freedmen to participate in the selection of government officials through voting.