Question

the excerpt below is from the 1890 mississippi constitution.
article xii, sec. 244. on and after the first day of january, a.d., 1892, every elector shall, in addition to the foregoing qualifications, be able to read any section of the constitution of this state; or he shall be able to understand the same when read to him, or give a reasonable interpretation thereof.
source: journal of the proceedings of the constitutional convention, of the state of mississippi/public domain
based on this excerpt, which conclusion can be drawn about the politics of southern states during the late 1800s?
a state governments worked to ensure universal application of the law by their citizens.
b state governments worked to expand equal protection under the law for their citizens.
c african american access to public education decreased despite guarantees in the u.s. constitution.
d african american influence in decision making diminished despite guarantees in the u.s. constitution.

Explanation:

The excerpt is from the 1890 Mississippi Constitution, which imposed literacy tests for voting. During the late 1800s, such measures were used to disenfranchise African Americans, reducing their influence in decision - making despite the U.S. Constitution's guarantees of equal rights. Option A is incorrect as the law was not universally applied (it targeted certain groups). Option B is wrong as these laws restricted rights, not expanded equal protection. Option C is about education, but the excerpt is about voting qualifications, not education. So the correct conclusion is about African American influence in decision - making diminishing.

Answer:

D. African American influence in decision making diminished despite guarantees in the U.S. Constitution.