Question

based on the table above, which of these states made the most progress in decreasing the voting gap between blacks and whites from 1965 until 2004?

virginia
south carolina
louisiana
alabama

Explanation:

Understand the question objective

The question asks which state made the most progress in decreasing the voting gap between Black and White registered voters from 1965 to 2004, based on the provided data table.

Define the metric for progress

Progress in decreasing the voting gap is measured by the change in the absolute value of the gap from 1965 to 2004.
A smaller gap (closer to 0) represents progress. We calculate the decrease in the gap for each state listed in the options:

• Virginia
• South Carolina (S. Carolina)
• Louisiana
• Alabama

Calculate the change in gap for each option

Let's calculate the difference in the absolute gap values between 1965 and 2004:

• Alabama:
• Gap in 1965: \(49.9\%\)
• Gap in 2004: \(0.9\%\)
• Decrease in gap: \(49.9 - 0.9 = 49.0\) percentage points.

• Louisiana:
• Gap in 1965: \(48.9\%\)
• Gap in 2004: \(4.0\%\)
• Decrease in gap: \(48.9 - 4.0 = 44.9\) percentage points.

• South Carolina:
• Gap in 1965: \(38.4\%\)
• Gap in 2004: \(3.3\%\)
• Decrease in gap: \(38.4 - 3.3 = 35.1\) percentage points.

• Virginia:
• Gap in 1965: \(22.8\%\)
• Gap in 2004: \(10.8\%\)
• Decrease in gap: \(22.8 - 10.8 = 12.0\) percentage points.

Compare the progress of the states

Comparing the decreases:

• Alabama: \(49.0\) percentage points
• Louisiana: \(44.9\) percentage points
• South Carolina: \(35.1\) percentage points
• Virginia: \(12.0\) percentage points

Alabama shows the largest reduction in the voting gap between Black and White voters.

Identify the correct option

The state that made the most progress is Alabama, which corresponds to the fourth option.

Answer:

• Virginia
• South Carolina
• Louisiana
• Alabama (Correct answer)