Answered

### Research Assignment

Many states during the Jim Crow era used methods to prohibit African American men, and sometimes poor whites, from being able to vote. Virginia was no exception. One method, introduced by Mississippi in 1890, was the use of the so-called grandfather clause. According to this clause, certain limitations on voting (such as poll taxes) would be waived if one's grandfather had voted before the Civil War.

Virginia took a slightly different approach in its 1902 constitution. Take a look at Article II, Section 22 of the Commonwealth's constitution (see PDF of constitution, Article II, Section 22 is at the end of page 5 and start of 6).

1. What does that section say about which individuals would be exempt from poll taxes?
2. What groups would be affected by such a provision?

Write a paragraph below explaining your answer. This assignment is worth 20 points overall and will be graded on the details and persuasiveness of the argument you provide.



Answer :

GinnyAnswer

Final answer:

The grandfather clause exempted illiterate white individuals from voting restrictions if their ancestors had voted before the Fifteenth Amendment.


Explanation:

The grandfather clause was a provision in some southern states that allowed illiterate white people to vote because their ancestors had been able to vote before the Fifteenth Amendment was ratified. This clause exempted individuals from taking literacy tests or paying poll taxes if they or their fathers or grandfathers had been permitted to vote prior to a certain point in time.


Learn more about Voting Rights

Other Questions