Which amendment abolished the poll tax in federal elections?

Study for the High School Constitution Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The 24th Amendment to the United States Constitution is significant because it prohibits the imposition of a poll tax in federal elections. Ratified in 1964, this amendment emerged from the civil rights movement, which sought to eliminate barriers to voting that disproportionately affected minority groups and low-income individuals. By abolishing the poll tax, the amendment aimed to ensure that citizens would not have to pay a fee to vote, thus enhancing access to the electoral process.

The introduction of a poll tax had historically been used in some states as a means of disenfranchising poor and minority voters, particularly in the South. The 24th Amendment addressed these injustices by reinforcing the principle that voting should be a right accessible to all eligible citizens, irrespective of their economic status. This change was a significant step in the progression toward equal voting rights in the United States. The other amendments mentioned pertain to different issues: the 22nd Amendment limits presidential terms, the 26th Amendment lowers the voting age to 18, and the 21st Amendment repeals Prohibition.

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