How Voting Rights Expanded in America

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This video explores the history of expanding civil rights in the United States through the lens of voting rights amendments. It details the specific constitutional amendments (15th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, and 26th) that have broadened the electorate, moving the nation from exclusivity to inclusivity. The narrator, Juan, explains the concept of suffrage and how marginalized groups, particularly African Americans and women, have organized and fought to participate in democracy despite significant barriers like Jim Crow laws. Key themes include the definition of civil rights, the tension between state and federal powers regarding election management, and the philosophical views of Alexis de Tocqueville on the self-perpetuating nature of democratic expansion. It highlights the Voting Rights Act of 1965, specifically the concept of preclearance, and the 24th Amendment's ban on poll taxes. The video emphasizes the "revolutionary tradition"—the gap between American ideals and social reality—as a driving force for change. This resource is excellent for High School US History and Civics classes. It provides a clear timeline of voting rights legislation and explains complex political science concepts like disenfranchisement and federalism in an accessible way. Teachers can use this video to anchor discussions on the evolution of democracy, the importance of civic participation, and the specific legal mechanisms used to suppress or expand voting access throughout American history.