Which federal law aimed to reduce barriers to voting for minorities by addressing discriminatory practices?

• A. Civil Rights Act of 1964
• B. 26th Amendment
• C. Affirmative Action Act
• D. Voting Rights Act of 1965

Answer: (D)

Directly tackling discriminatory voting practices to remove barriers, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is the law that fits this goal best. It specifically targeted obstacles to minority voting by banning discriminatory tactics such as literacy tests, ensuring equal access to registration and polling places, and giving federal authorities power to oversee elections in jurisdictions with histories of discrimination (through preclearance). This focused approach to protecting voters’ rights and removing practices that suppressed participation is why it’s the best choice. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 covers broader civil rights and desegregation, not voting procedures; the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age; and there isn’t a federal Affirmative Action Act aimed at voting.