ICAP American History Practice Test 2025 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Mastery!

The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1870, is the amendment that specifically granted voting rights to African American males. This was a significant achievement during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, as it prohibited the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

The context surrounding the 15th Amendment is essential; it was part of a series of measures aimed at ensuring the civil rights of former slaves and preventing discrimination in voting practices. This was especially important after the war, as newly freed African Americans sought full participation in American society, including the electoral process.

The other amendments listed serve different purposes: the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th Amendment granted citizenship and provided equal protection under the law for all persons, and the 10th Amendment deals with the distribution of powers between the federal government and the states. While the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments collectively contributed to the advancement of civil rights, it is the 15th Amendment specifically that addresses voting rights for black males.