Question

how did the voting rights act of 1965 stop discrimination in areas where voter eligibility tests were previously used?

it required federal supervision.
it instituted new poll taxes.
it sponsored voter registration drives.
it required all citizens to vote.

Explanation:

Analyze the Voting Rights Act of 1965

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States designed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote under the Fifteenth Amendment.

Evaluate the impact on voter eligibility tests

Using the Federal Intervention knowledge point, the Act outlawed discriminatory voting practices, including literacy tests and other voter eligibility exams. To ensure compliance in areas with a history of voter suppression, the law established federal oversight.

Determine the correct mechanism of enforcement

Using the Voter Registration knowledge point, the Act authorized the federal government to send federal examiners to register voters and supervise elections in jurisdictions with historically low voter turnout or documented discriminatory practices. This direct federal supervision prevented local officials from continuing discriminatory practices.

Assess the given multiple-choice options

• Option 1 ("It required federal supervision."): Correct. The Act mandated federal oversight and preclearance for changes to voting laws in covered jurisdictions.
• Option 2 ("It instituted new poll taxes."): Incorrect. The Act, along with the 24th Amendment, sought to eliminate poll taxes, not institute new ones.
• Option 3 ("It sponsored voter registration drives."): Incorrect. While it protected registration, the federal government did not directly sponsor registration drives; civil rights organizations did.
• Option 4 (Partially cut off: "It required all citizens to vote."): Incorrect. Voting remains voluntary in the United States.

Answer:

• It required federal supervision. (Correct answer)
• It instituted new poll taxes.
• It sponsored voter registration drives.